How are photons related to electrons?

Question

I was looking at this problem when I began thinking about the relationship:

When electromagnetic radiation of
wavelength 300 nm falls on the surface
of sodium, electrons are emitted with a
kinetic energy of 1.68 ×105 J mol–1. What
is the minimum energy needed to remove
an electron from sodium? What is the
maximum wavelength that will cause a
photoelectron to be emitted ?

ok, but in the question, what is a "photoelectron" ?

Answer 1

The energy of a photon can be absorbed by an electron which results in the electrons being promoted to a higher energy level. The electron can then emit a photon of light and return to its lower energy level. If a photon has enough energy, it can cause the electron to be knocked off of the atom.

So, there's no real relationship between photons and electrons other than the idea that a photon consists of a quantum of energy which can be absorbed by or emitted by an electron, bringing about a change in the electron's energy.

Answer 2

This is the Photoelectric Effect.
When photons of a sufficient energy (wavelength is key, as opposed to intensity of light) strike metal, some electrons from the metal will be emitted.
The minimum energy is called the work function of the metal, and is equal to h (Plank's constant) times f (frequency).
The maximum wavelength is just the speed of light divided by the minimum frequency.

Answer 3

Photons and electrons are different animals, one is electromagnetic radiation, the other is matter. Electrons have a non-zero rest mass, photons don't. They interact with each other, but they are different. Of course, string theorists believe ultimately they are made of the same thing.

Answer 4

Photons are the force-carrier particle for the electromagnetic force. Electrons, having an electric charge, are susceptible to this force.