Photoelectric Effect for Introductory Chemistry Course

EXtreme Environment Systems Lab (XLab) develops systems for operation within extreme harsh environments. Researchers in the XLab investigate the synthesis of temperature tolerant, chemically resistant and radiation-hardened wide bandgap semiconductor thin films and nanostructures. Radiation rich environment (i.e., space) involves understanding the properties of electromagnetic radiation (EMR). EMR and its wave-particle duality is included within the current NGSS standards. This ETP goes a step further by including how EMR’s properties can be utilized in various real life applications, such as photodetectors. As part of EMR, students will connect photodetectors with photoelectric effect. They will investigate photoelectric effect by seeing how the electrons return to their ground state levels by absorbing heat or electrical energy and by emitting energy in the form of photons. The photoelectric effect will be taught over a period of 5 days; 1 day for demo and introduction to basic vocabulary/concepts, 2 days of lab, and 2 days of group presentation with reflection on application (specifically connecting with Stanford XLab).