Activity Overview
The simulation generates photoelectrons into a retarding potential difference. Students can adjust the retarding potential so that the kinetic energy of the photoelectrons can be found. With this information and the wavelength of the photon that generated the photoelectron, Planck's constant can be determined. The simulation runs in an interactive graphical interface.
Before the Activity
Load the simulation onto the graphing calculator. The manual explains how the simulation works.
During the Activity
Hand out lab instruction for students describing how the experiment is to be conducted.