Final answer:
The photoelectric effect is a phenomenon where light causes certain materials, typically metals, to emit photoelectrons. This effect has practical applications in devices like light meters and solar cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phenomenon you are asking about, where a material absorbs light and emits electrons, is known as the photoelectric effect. This effect occurs when a metal surface is exposed to a monochromatic electromagnetic wave of sufficiently short wavelength, which is above a certain threshold frequency. As a result, the incident light is absorbed and the metal surface emits electrons, these are referred to as photoelectrons. Interestingly, only certain frequencies of light can cause this ejection of electrons. If the light's frequency is below the threshold frequency, no electrons will be released regardless of the light's intensity or duration. Applications of the photoelectric effect include its use in light meters in cameras and in solar cells, where it is utilized to convert light into electricity.