Which of the following statements is true regarding photon behavior in the photoelectric effect?

In the context of the photoelectric effect, the statement about photons only ejecting electrons if they exceed a certain energy threshold is accurate and reflects a fundamental principle of this phenomenon. When light shines on a metal surface, it can cause the emission of electrons from that surface, but this only occurs if the energy of the incoming photons is above a specific threshold energy. This threshold is unique to each metal and relates to the energy needed to overcome the attractive forces holding the electrons in the metal.

Photons have energies that correlate with their frequencies; hence, photons of higher frequency (and thus higher energy) have a greater chance of ejecting electrons as long as they exceed this threshold energy. If the photon's energy is below the threshold, no electrons are ejected regardless of the intensity or frequency of the light.

Understanding this threshold concept is crucial in interpreting the photoelectric effect and illustrates why certain materials only release electrons when illuminated with specific wavelengths of light.