How do you determine the threshold frequency and work function of a metal from a graph? (in relation to the photoelectric effect)

*I realize that the threshold frequency is the x-intercept, but is there a way to calculate it? As simply looking at the x-value for which y=0 could evoke error due to the guesswork involved..

Question

How do you determine the threshold frequency and work function of a metal from a graph? (in relation to the photoelectric effect)

*I realize that the threshold frequency is the x-intercept, but is there a way to calculate it? As simply looking at the x-value for which y=0 could evoke error due to the guesswork involved..

theeric · Answer

I don't know if I can help, sorry. I just think it's always impossible to get an exact value from a graph unless it gives explicit information or is made to be very structured... Otherwise, exactness requires a curve.

But I would not be surprised at all if there was a method for this.

theeric · Answer

What is this graph, out of curiosity?
$y$:  kinetic energy
$x$:  frequency of light
?

Anyway, good luck!

anonymous · Answer

Energy (retarding voltage) vs. Frequency

theeric · Answer

Cool, thanks :)