What is Retarding Voltage?

[jeheron]

I have recently started studying the photoelectric effect. I currently have very little understanding of the theory. As i understand it retarding voltage is a voltage applied to the anode and the cathode of a photovoltaic cell such that any photoelectrons emitted are decelerated just enough such that they don’t reach the anode.

 

This is a very superficial understanding, and could be totally wrong. Can anyone help me qualitatively refine my understanding?

 

Also, why is a retarding voltage ever used?

 

Jack.

[Genecks]

Try this: A conducted .edu google search.

[Meir Achuz]

You are basicly correct. The retarding voltage V that stops any photo-electric current gives a measure of the maximum energy of the emitted electrons in

eV.