how is photoelectric effect explained in terms of chemistry

The photoelectric effect occurs when matter emits electrons upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation, such as photons of light. Here's a closer look at what the photoelectric effect is and how it works.Overview of the Photoelectric EffectThe photoelectric effect is studied in part because it can be an introduction to wave-particle duality and quantum mechanics. When a surface is exposed to sufficiently energetic electromagnetic energy, light will be absorbed and electrons will be emitted. The threshold frequency is different for different materials. It is visible light for alkali metals, near-ultraviolet light for other metals, and extreme-ultraviolet radiation for nonmetals. The photoelectric effect occurs with photons having energies from a few electronvolts to over 1 MeV. At the high photon energies comparable to the electron rest energy of 511 keV, Compton scattering may occur pair production may take place at energies over 1.022 MeV