Threshold frequency and wavelength of electrons in the photoelectric effect

AI Thread Summary
Electrons are emitted from a metal when they absorb energy from light, with the threshold frequency calculated as f0 = 5.08 × 10^14 Hz using the work function of 2.1 eV. The energy of incident light at 500 nm is 2.48 eV, allowing electrons to escape with a maximum kinetic energy of 0.38 eV. To find the wavelength of emitted electrons, the kinetic energy can be used in the equation λ = hc/√(2mK), resulting in an approximate wavelength of 2 nm. The discussion confirms the calculations and explores the relationship between kinetic energy and emitted electron wavelengths. Understanding these principles is crucial for grasping the photoelectric effect.
Ezequiel
Messages
18
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Electrons are emitted from a metal as a consequence of their absorption of energy from a light beam. Find the threshold frequency of the metal and the wavelength of emitted electrons.

Wavelength of incident light λ = 500 nm
Work function of the metal \phi = 2.1 eV

Homework Equations



Threshold frequency:

f0 = \frac{\phi}{h}

The Attempt at a Solution



Threshold frequency:

f0 = \frac{2.1 eV}{4.136 \times 10^{-15} eV·s } = 5.08 × 1014 Hz

Is this correct?

How can I find the wavelength of emitted electrons?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Thanks for the confirmation.

As I understand the photoelectric effect, one photon transfers all of its energy to an electron, so the energy absorbed by any electron must be the same (for a monochromatic beam), in this case hc/(500 nm) = 2.48 eV. Electrons need at least 2.1 eV to escape this metal, so they must have a maximum kinetic energy of 0.38 eV. Since not all of them have the same kinetic energy (due to losses) I assume they must have different wavelengths as well, how can I find the wavelength of emitted electrons?
 
You can assume that they all have 0.38 eV. If you like, use "<=" in the calculations, but that won't change much.
 
Ok, so it would be λ = \frac{hc}{\sqrt{2mc^2K}} \approx 2 nm, right?
 
Thread 'Voltmeter readings for this circuit with switches'
TL;DR Summary: I would like to know the voltmeter readings on the two resistors separately in the picture in the following cases , When one of the keys is closed When both of them are opened (Knowing that the battery has negligible internal resistance) My thoughts for the first case , one of them must be 12 volt while the other is 0 The second case we'll I think both voltmeter readings should be 12 volt since they are both parallel to the battery and they involve the key within what the...
Thread 'Correct statement about a reservoir with an outlet pipe'
The answer to this question is statements (ii) and (iv) are correct. (i) This is FALSE because the speed of water in the tap is greater than speed at the water surface (ii) I don't even understand this statement. What does the "seal" part have to do with water flowing out? Won't the water still flow out through the tap until the tank is empty whether the reservoir is sealed or not? (iii) In my opinion, this statement would be correct. Increasing the gravitational potential energy of the...
Back
Top