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About This Simulation
Explore the photoelectric effect with Albert Einstein! Perform an experiment to test the wave model and discover that light is actually made up of photons. Use this knowledge to set up an efficient solar farm to power the time machine and send him home.
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate the principles of the photoelectric effect experimentally
- Identify how the particle model can explain the photoelectric effect where the wave model cannot.
- Detail the basics of how solar panels use the photoelectric effect to generate electricity
About This Simulation
Lab Techniques
- Observing characteristics of the photoelectric effect
Related Standards
- HS-PS4-5
Learn More About This Simulation
Albert Einstein has traveled from the past to give you a private lesson! In this simulation, you will learn all about the photoelectric effect and how it is used by solar panels to generate renewable energy. With Einstein, you’ll perform an experiment and discover that the wave model of light cannot explain the effect. You’ll learn that light is actually made up of particles called photons! Applying your new knowledge of the photoelectric effect to solar panels, you will set up an efficient solar farm to power the time machine and send Einstein safely back to the past!
Experiment with the photoelectric effect
Illuminate a metal plate and watch in amazement as photoelectrons are emitted! Try changing the frequency and intensity of the light or the metal of the plate and see what happens. Einstein will guide you through the photoelectric effect experiment, prompting you to make important observations along the way. While investigating, you will discover for yourself the many ways that the photoelectric effect conflicts with the wave model of light! Why is there a threshold frequency? Should there not be a delay after I switch on the light? All these questions will be answered by the photon model!
Is light a wave?
The photoelectric effect cannot be explained by the wave model of light, but it can be explained if light acts like a particle! As you make your observations, Einstein will identify each conflict and take you through the ideas that led him to his Nobel Prize-winning theory: the photon model of light! You will then return to the experiment, this time to see how photons and electrons interact with each other and use this to explain what you see!
The power of the Sun!
The time machine battery is dead! In a stroke of luck, you find yourself in the control room of an old solar farm. After discovering how solar panels use the photoelectric effect to generate renewable electricity, you will rebuild the farm. Applying your understanding of the photon model, you will see why we must maximize the exposed surface area of the solar panels to generate as much current as possible. Can you use the power of the Sun to recharge the time machine and send Einstein home before history is changed forever?
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For Science Programs Providing a Learning Advantage
North Dakota State College of Science
“They did the simulation at home, then completed the in-person lab within 30 minutes, no questions asked, and passed the quiz with flying colors.”
Lecturer in Human Physiology
University of Westminster
"I saw some of the students who clearly didn’t necessarily like sitting there reading a book discover they could turn on Labster and keep up with the rest of the class because it spoke to them.
Modesto City Schools
"Having something that's engaging for the students gives teachers that opportunity to breathe and get excited again. Because they're seeing the kids light up, they're seeing the kids engage with content."
Wenatchee Valley College
"The question always is, ‘Can we demonstrate that the students are meeting course outcomes?’ Check! We can do that.”
San José State University
"We surveyed over 400 students. More than 90% thought Labster was easy to navigate, and that it was fun, but more importantly, most of them felt confident that they could execute the labs in person. And that confidence is a big deal."
FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions.
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Labster simulations are created by real scientists and designed with unparalleled interactivity. Unlike point and click competitors, Labster simulations immerse students and encourage mastery through active learning.
Labster supports a wide range of courses at the high school and university level across fields in biology, chemistry and physics. Some simulations mimic lab procedures with high fidelity to train foundational skills, while others are meant to bring theory to life through interactive scenarios.