basic

Photoelectric Effect Maximum Kinetic Energy Calculator

KE_max = h·f − φ (zero if h·f < φ).

Compute the maximum kinetic energy of a photoelectron emitted by an incident photon of frequency f striking a metal of work function φ: KE_max = h·f − φ (in eV). If h·f < φ, no electrons are emitted (KE_max clamped to 0). Reports KE_max in eV and joules and the photon energy in eV.

Dr. Helena Ortiz By Dr. Helena Ortiz
Published Last reviewed 1 min read

Inputs

Hz
eV

Results

Enter values and click Calculate to see results.
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How to use this calculator

  1. Fill in the inputs above using the units you already have.
  2. Values update automatically as you type — no submit button needed.
  3. Hover any result row for the underlying formula and intermediate values.

Formula

KE_max = h·f − φ; emit only if h·f ≥ φ.

In depth

Compute the maximum kinetic energy of a photoelectron emitted by an incident photon of frequency f striking a metal of work function φ: KE_max = h·f − φ (in eV). If h·f < φ, no electrons are emitted (KE_max clamped to 0). Reports KE_max in eV and joules and the photon energy in eV.