photoelectric effect, phenomenon in which electrically charged particles are released from or within a material when it absorbs electromagnetic radiation. The effect is often defined as the ejection of electrons from a metal plate when light falls on it.

What is photoelectricity used for?

Understanding how this works revolutionized modern physics. Applications of the photoelectric effect brought us "electric eye" door openers, light meters used in photography, solar panels and photostatic copying.

What is meant by photoelectricity?

Medical Definition of photoelectricity

1 : electricity produced by the action of light. 2 : a branch of physics that deals with the electrical effects of light.