How Does the Work Function of Cesium Impact Photoelectric Effect Calculations?

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The discussion focuses on calculating the number of photo-electrons produced from cesium using the photoelectric effect without initially considering the work function. The calculations show that the energy of incoming photons is sufficient to overcome the work function, which is necessary for photo-electron emission. The method used for determining the number of photons and resulting current appears correct, as it primarily addresses the quantity of emitted electrons rather than their energy. The work function of cesium is relevant for confirming that the photon energy exceeds it, but it does not affect the calculations for current directly. Overall, the approach is validated, emphasizing the importance of photon energy in relation to the work function.
MarkusNaslund19
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Homework Statement



http://www.astro.uvic.ca/~jwillis/teaching/phys215/phys215_assign_2.pdf

It's question 2.

Homework Equations



Work = U/t
E = hf
f = c/lambda
I=Q/t

The Attempt at a Solution



f = c/lambda = (3.00x10^8 m/s)/(530x10^-9 m) = 5.66x10^14 Hz

E = hf = (6.626x10^-34 Js)(5.66x10^14Hz) = 3.75x10^-19 J/photon

Work = 2.00x10^-3 J/s ----> in one second U = 2.00x10^-3 J

#photons = U / E = 5.33 x 10^15 photons

#photo-electrons produced = (5.33 x 10^15)/(10^5) = 5.33x10^10 photo-electrons

Q = (5.33x10^10)(1.60x10^-19 C) = 8.54x10^-9 C

I = 8.54x10^-9 C/s

The thing is I did not use the work function of cesium to solve this. Hence I am unsure if this is right... Any help would be appreciated.

THANKS!
 
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btw, when you say "work", I think you mean "Watts" or more precisely "power".
your method looks good to me.
work function only comes in when you want to know the energy of the photo-electron..but you are only concerned with the amount of them (ie. current) the most you could do is to check that the incoming photon energy can indeed overcome the work function: E_\text{photon} > \phi. I don't think there is any problem with that
 
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