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photoemission

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌfoʊtəʊɪˈmɪʃən/

KK: /ˌfoʊtoʊɪˈmɪʃən/

noun
Definition

The process of releasing electrons from a material when it is exposed to light, particularly from metals.


Example

The experiment demonstrated the phenomenon of photoemission when the light hit the metal surface.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard about photoemission in physics?
Sloth B
Yeah, I think it has to do with electrons being emitted from metals, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! It's fascinating how light can cause such reactions.
Sloth B
It really is! I love learning about how different phenomena work.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
photoelectricity
photoelectron
emission
Antonyms
absorption
capture
retention
Root Explanation

Photoemission → It is formed from "photo-" (from Greek "phōs", meaning light) and "emission" (from Latin "emittere", meaning to send out). The word describes the process of sending out electrons or other particles as a result of exposure to light.

Memory Tip

Think of 'light' ('photo-') causing something to 'send out' ('emission') particles — that's what photoemission means.

Visually Confused Words

No commonly confused words.

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