Einstein photoelectric equation (hν = φ + K_max)

jee-mainjee-advancedneet-ug

hν = φ + K_max

What each symbol means

SymbolWhat it stands for
hPlanck constant (J·s)
νFrequency of incident radiation (Hz)
φWork function of the metal surface (J)
K_maxMaximum kinetic energy of emitted photoelectrons (J)

When to use this

Single-photon absorption picture; valid when photon energy hν is sufficient to overcome work function (hν ≥ φ for emission). K_max is the maximum over all emitted electrons.