What is the phenomenon called when light incident on a metal surface causes the emission of electrons from that surface?

💡 Solution & Explanation

The photoelectric effect describes the emission of electrons from a metallic substance when light waves of sufficient frequency shine upon its surface, proving the particle nature of electromagnetic radiation. Albert Einstein successfully explained this quantum phenomenon, earning the Nobel Prize in Physics for demonstrating that light travels in discrete packets called photons. Unlike thermionic emission which relies on thermal heat energy to liberate electrons, the photoelectric process is entirely driven by photonic light energy.