When a metal surface is irradiated, photoelectrons may be ejected from the metal. The kinetic energy of the ejected electrons depends on the

The kinetic energy of the photoelectrons ejected from a metal surface when irradiated depends on the frequency of the radiation. This is known as the photoelectric effect. When a photon of light is absorbed by a metal surface, it can transfer its energy to an electron within the metal, causing the electron to be ejected from the surface. The amount of energy transferred to the electron depends on the frequency of the photon, which is related to its wavelength. Photons with higher frequencies (shorter wavelengths) have more energy than photons with lower frequencies (longer wavelengths), and thus can transfer more energy to the ejected electron, resulting in a higher kinetic energy. Therefore, the frequency of the radiation is the key factor that determines the kinetic energy of the ejected electrons.