In the photoelectric effect, on which parameter does the amount of photoelectric emission current primarily depend, assuming the frequency is above threshold?

Introduction / Context:
The photoelectric effect underpins modern optoelectronics and quantum theory. Quantities like photocurrent, stopping potential, and kinetic energy of emitted electrons each depend on different aspects of the incoming light. This question distinguishes the role of intensity versus frequency in setting the magnitude of the emitted current.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Photon energy E = h f; emission occurs only if f ≥ f0 (threshold frequency).
• Once f > f0, electrons are emitted.
• Photocurrent is proportional to the number of emitted electrons per unit time reaching the anode in a circuit.

Concept / Approach:
For f ≥ f0, the number of photons arriving per second determines how many electrons are emitted (assuming each photon can liberate at most one photoelectron). Intensity sets photon flux: higher intensity → more photons per second → larger photoelectric current. Frequency determines the maximum kinetic energy of photoelectrons (via stopping potential), not the magnitude of current, provided a sufficient collection field is applied and f remains above threshold.

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