fotóelektromos

The term "fotóelektromos" is the Hungarian word for photoelectric. It refers to the photoelectric effect, a phenomenon where electrons are emitted from a material when light shines on it. This effect is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics and has significant practical applications.

When photons, the particles of light, strike a surface, they can transfer their energy to electrons within the material. If a photon's energy is sufficient to overcome the binding energy of an electron to the atom (the work function), the electron can be ejected. The kinetic energy of the emitted electron is directly related to the energy of the incident photon minus the work function of the material. This relationship was famously explained by Albert Einstein in 1905, earning him the Nobel Prize in Physics.

The photoelectric effect is observed in many materials, particularly metals and semiconductors. The intensity of the light affects the number of electrons emitted, while the frequency of the light determines the energy of the emitted electrons. This phenomenon is the basis for technologies such as solar cells, photomultiplier tubes, and light sensors. Understanding the fotóelektromos effect is crucial for advancements in fields ranging from renewable energy to digital imaging.