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Photoelectric Effect Experiment Apparatus

BEX-8504A
Photoelectric Effect Experiment Apparatus

BEX-8504A Photoelectric Effect Experiment Apparatus is designed for university modern physics laboratories to verify Einstein's photoelectric effect and determine Planck's constant. A 50 W mercury lamp, bandpass filters, and interchangeable apertures generate controlled monochromatic illumination for the phototube, while the integrated microcurrent measurement system detects photocurrent across the 10⁻⁸–10⁻¹³ A range.


With five selectable wavelengths from 365 to 577 nm and three aperture sizes, students can investigate the relationship between light frequency, intensity, photocurrent, and stopping voltage. The apparatus supports both Planck constant determination and phototube I-V characteristic experiments with a typical experimental error below 5%.


Photoelectric Effect Experiment Apparatus
apparatus for photoelectric effect experiment
Photoelectric Effect Experiment Apparatus
apparatus for photoelectric effect experiment

How Does the Photoelectric Effect Experiment Work?

The BEX-8504A photoelectric effect experiment uses a mercury lamp as the light source. Bandpass filters select monochromatic light at 365, 405, 436, 546, or 577 nm, while interchangeable apertures control the amount of light reaching the phototube.


When the selected light illuminates the phototube, photoelectrons are emitted and generate a measurable photocurrent. By adjusting the applied voltage, students can determine the stopping voltage at which the photocurrent approaches zero.


Repeating the measurement at different light frequencies allows students to investigate the relationship between stopping voltage and frequency and experimentally determine Planck's constant. Aperture changes can also be used to study how light intensity affects photocurrent without changing the incident wavelength.


Features of BEX-8504A Photoelectric Effect Experiment Apparatus

Five Selectable Monochromatic Wavelengths


The apparatus uses narrowband filters to select mercury spectral lines at 365, 405, 436, 546, and 577 nm. These defined wavelengths allow students to compare the photoelectric response at different light frequencies and provide the data required for Planck constant determination.


Adjustable Incident Light Intensity


Three interchangeable apertures with diameters of 2 mm, 4 mm, and 8 mm are provided to change the amount of incident light reaching the phototube.


This enables students to study the relationship between light intensity and photocurrent while keeping the incident wavelength unchanged.


High-Sensitivity Photocurrent Measurement


The integrated measurement system detects currents from 10⁻⁸ to 10⁻¹³ A, supporting the weak photocurrent measurements required in photoelectric effect experiments.


Stable and Adjustable Optical Setup


The mercury lamp and phototube are mounted on a 600 mm optical track, providing a stable experimental arrangement while allowing the source-to-detector geometry to be adjusted when required.


Integrated Experimental Design


The wavelength filters, apertures, phototube, optical track, and electrical measurement components are integrated into a complete teaching system, helping reduce setup complexity for university physics laboratories.


What Experiments Can Be Performed with BEX-8504A Photoelectric Effect Experiment Apparatus ?

1. Determine Planck's Constant Using the Photoelectric Effect

Students measure the stopping voltage at several incident wavelengths and convert each wavelength into its corresponding light frequency. By plotting stopping voltage against frequency, the experimental data can be used to determine Planck's constant and verify Einstein's photoelectric equation. This experiment connects classical laboratory measurements with one of the fundamental concepts of quantum physics.


2. Measure the I-V Characteristics of a Phototube

The apparatus can be used to investigate how photocurrent varies as the voltage applied to the phototube changes. Students can observe the response of the phototube under accelerating and retarding voltage conditions and analyze its characteristic current-voltage behavior.


3. Investigate the Effect of Light Intensity on Photocurrent

The 2 mm, 4 mm, and 8 mm apertures allow the incident light intensity to be changed without changing the selected mercury wavelength. Students can therefore investigate how photocurrent responds to variations in incident light intensity.


4. Compare Photoelectric Response at Different Wavelengths

Using the five wavelength filters, students can compare the photoelectric response under 365, 405, 436, 546, and 577 nm illumination. This helps demonstrate that photon energy depends on light frequency rather than simply on the brightness of the incident light.


Experiment Data

Study how light frequency and intensity affect electron emission 

This is designed to investigate the photoelectric effect, verify Einstein’s photoelectric‑effect equation, determine Planck constant h, plot the volt‑ampere characteristics of phototube and demonstrate the wave‑particle duality of light.   

Experiment Data
Experiment Data
Experiment Data
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Experiment Data
Experiment Data
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Experiment Data

Specifications of BEX-8504A Photoelectric Effect Experiment Apparatus

No.

Parts

Key Parameters

1

Mercury Lamp Source

50 W

2

General Track, L=600mm

Length: 600 mm

3

Phototube Box with Filter Set

Optical bandpass Filters: 365, 405, 436, 546, 577 nm

Apertures: 2 mm, 4 mm, 8 mm

Phototube: Spectral Response Range 300-700 nm

4

Mercury Lamp Power Supply

Input: 110-120 VAC / 220-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz; Output: 220 VAC, 50 W

5

Photoelectric Effect Experiment Apparatus

Voltage Output: -4.5 – 0 VDC / -4.5 – 30 VDC

Current Range: 10⁻⁸ A – 10⁻¹³ A


Configuration List

No.

Parts

Model

Qty.

1

Mercury Lamp Source

BEM-5005

1

2

General Track, 600mm

BEM-5201-06

1

3

Phototube Box with Filter Set

BEM-5006

1

4

Mercury Lamp Power Supply

BEM-5007

1

5

Photoelectric Effect Experiment Apparatus

BEM-5710

1

10

Power Cord

BC-105075

3

11

Connecting Lead, 4mm Sheathed Banana Plugs, Black

BC-105073

1

12

Connecting Lead, 4mm Sheathed Banana Plugs, Red

BC-105074

1

13

BNC Cable

BC-105076

1

14

Communication Cable (8-pin)

BC-105077

2


FAQ of Photoelectric Effect Experiment Apparatus

What is a photoelectric effect experiment apparatus?

A photoelectric effect experiment apparatus is a laboratory system used to investigate electron emission caused by incident light. It typically includes a controlled light source, phototube, wavelength-selection components, voltage control, and a sensitive current measurement system. The experiment allows students to measure quantities such as photocurrent and stopping voltage and to investigate the relationship between light frequency and electron energy.


How is Planck's constant measured with the BEX-8504A?

What wavelengths are available in the BEX-8504A?

Why are different aperture sizes provided?

What is stopping voltage in the photoelectric effect experiment?

Who is the BEX-8504A designed for?

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Brolight provides high-precision photonics instruments, ideal for both research and educational applications. Contact us today to request detailed product information and discover how our solutions can support your projects and create new opportunities.
Hangzhou Brolight Technology Co., Ltd.
Hangzhou Brolight Technology Co., Ltd.
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