Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The photoelectric effect is the emission of electrons when light hits a material.
According to Einstein's photoelectric theory, light consists of discrete energy packets called photons.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Einstein's photoelectric equation is given by:
\[ K_{\text{max}} = h\nu - \Phi \]
Where \( K_{\text{max}} \) is the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted photoelectrons, \( h \) is Planck's constant, \( \nu \) is the frequency of the incident light, and \( \Phi \) is the work function of the material.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
From the equation, \( K_{\text{max}} \) is directly proportional to the frequency \( \nu \) of the incident light, provided \( \nu \) is greater than the threshold frequency.
The intensity of light only increases the number of emitted photoelectrons per second, but does not affect their individual maximum kinetic energy.
Time of exposure and distance from the source also only affect the total number of photons hitting the surface, not the energy per photon.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The maximum kinetic energy of photoelectrons depends strictly on the frequency of the incident light.