So the photoelectric effect causes metals to emit electrons in contact with light. I have two questions…
1) Does this keep happening until no more electrons are being emitted?
2) Can't this effect the charge of the metal? (Losing electrons while keeping protons)?
Best Answer
A metal exposed to light, with energy higher than the work function of the metal, will emit photoelectrons. If the metal is not grounded or connected to any other electron source, there will be excess positive charge accumulated on the surface which will stop further photoemission. Otherwise the metal will always replenish the lost electrons and keep emitting "new" photoelectrons.