photoelectric
adjective
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What Is the photoelectric Effect?
The photoelectric effect *occurs when light (or similar radiation such as X-rays) falls on a material such as a metal plate and causes it to emit electrons. The discovery of the photoelectric effect led to important new theories about matter (and to a Nobel Prize for Albert Einstein). *Photoelectric cells, *or *photocells, are used in burglar-alarm light detectors and garage-door openers (both employ a beam of light that is broken when something moves across it), and also to play soundtracks on movie film (where a light beam shines through the soundtrack encoded on the film and is "read" by the photocells).
Examples of photoelectric in a Sentence
Louis Biscotti, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024
To accomplish this, the researchers created a photocathode – the component that creates photoelectric electrons – out of thin nanosheets of gallium arsenide crystals.
—Michael Franco, New Atlas, 11 Oct. 2024
During the 1948 Olympics, held both that summer and winter, finish-line tapes and hand timing were replaced by a photoelectric beam.
—Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 July 2024
This multi-tasking monitor is able to detect both smoke and carbon monoxide at the same time, with a photoelectric sensor for the former and an electrochemical sensor for the latter.
—Quincy Bulin, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2023
Most experts say that the best smoke detector for your kitchen is a photoelectric model.
—Nor'adila Hepburn, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2023
Keep in mind that carbon monoxide alarms can also include smoke detectors, which have ionization sensors for detecting fast-burning fires or photoelectric sensors to detect smoldering fires.
—Kaz Weida, Popular Mechanics, 25 Apr. 2023
An article published in the official newspaper of the Chinese military, the PLA Daily, in September 2020 described how airships and balloons could be loaded with radar and photoelectric surveillance equipment to detect targets for strikes.
—Evan Hill, Cate Cadell, Ellen Nakashima and Christian Shepherd, The Washington Post, Anchorage Daily News, 15 Apr. 2023
When purchasing a new one, choose a photoelectric alarm with a sealed, long-life battery and a hush feature.
—Claire Law, BostonGlobe.com, 4 Apr. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Photoelectric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photoelectric. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.
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photoelectric
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