Which equation was used by Albert Einstein to explain the photoelectric effect?

[tex]E = \text{energy}, \, h = \text{Planck's constant}, \, \nu = \text{frequency}[/tex]

A. [tex]E = \frac{h}{\nu}[/tex]
B. [tex]E = h \nu[/tex]
C. [tex]E = \frac{\nu}{h}[/tex]
D. [tex]E = h - \nu[/tex]



Answer :

To determine the equation used by Albert Einstein to explain the photoelectric effect, we need to understand the relationship between the energy of a photon and its frequency. Einstein's work on the photoelectric effect demonstrated that when light hits a material, it can release electrons from the surface of that material. This phenomenon can be explained using the concept of photons, which are particles of light.

According to this theory, the energy [tex]\(E\)[/tex] of a photon is directly proportional to its frequency [tex]\(v\)[/tex]. The proportionality constant in this relationship is Planck's constant [tex]\(h\)[/tex], which is a fundamental constant in quantum mechanics.

The correct equation that describes this relationship is:
[tex]\[ E = h \cdot v \][/tex]

- [tex]\( E \)[/tex] is the energy of the photon,
- [tex]\( h \)[/tex] is Planck's constant,
- [tex]\( v \)[/tex] is the frequency of the photon.

Thus, the correct equation that explains the photoelectric effect, according to Einstein, is:
[tex]\[ E = h v \][/tex]

Therefore, the correct choice is:

[tex]\[ E = h v \][/tex]

This corresponds to the second choice from the given options.