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The work function of caesium metal is \(2.14 \mathrm{eV}\). When light of frequency \(6 \times 10^{14} \mathrm{~Hz}\) is incident on the metal surface, photoemission of electrons occurs. What is the (a) maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons, (b) Stopping potential, and (c) maximum speed of the emitted photoelectrons?

Short Answer

Expert verified
(a) Max KE = \(5.4732 \times 10^{-20} \, \text{J}\), (b) Stopping Potential = 0.342 V, (c) Speed = \(3.463 \times 10^5 \, \text{m/s}\).

Step by step solution

01

Convert Work Function to Joules

The work function \( \phi \) is given in electronvolts (eV). To convert it to Joules (J), use the conversion factor where \(1 \, \text{eV} = 1.602 \times 10^{-19} \, \text{J}\). Thus, the work function \( \phi \) in joules is \( 2.14 \, \text{eV} \times 1.602 \times 10^{-19} \, \text{J/eV} = 3.42828 \times 10^{-19} \, \text{J} \).
02

Calculate Energy of Incident Photons

The energy of the incident photons \( E \) can be calculated using the formula \( E = h u \), where \( h = 6.626 \times 10^{-34} \, \text{J s} \) is Planck's constant and \( u = 6 \times 10^{14} \, \text{Hz} \) is the frequency of the incident light. Therefore, \( E = 6.626 \times 10^{-34} \times 6 \times 10^{14} = 3.9756 \times 10^{-19} \, \text{J} \).
03

Determine Maximum Kinetic Energy

The maximum kinetic energy \( K_{\text{max}} \) of the emitted electrons is given by the photoelectric equation: \( K_{\text{max}} = E - \phi \). Using the values from previous steps: \( K_{\text{max}} = 3.9756 \times 10^{-19} \, \text{J} - 3.42828 \times 10^{-19} \, \text{J} = 5.4732 \times 10^{-20} \, \text{J} \).
04

Calculate Stopping Potential

The stopping potential \( V_{\text{stop}} \) is calculated using the relation \( K_{\text{max}} = e V_{\text{stop}} \). Hence, \( V_{\text{stop}} = \frac{K_{\text{max}}}{e} \). Substituting the values, \( V_{\text{stop}} = \frac{5.4732 \times 10^{-20} \, \text{J}}{1.602 \times 10^{-19} \, \text{C}} = 0.342 \, \text{V} \).
05

Calculate Maximum Speed of Photoelectrons

The maximum speed \( v \) can be found using the kinetic energy formula \( K_{\text{max}} = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 \), where \( m = 9.109 \times 10^{-31} \text{kg} \) is the mass of an electron. Solving for \( v \), we have \( v = \sqrt{\frac{2 K_{\text{max}}}{m}} = \sqrt{\frac{2 \times 5.4732 \times 10^{-20} \, \text{J}}{9.109 \times 10^{-31} \, \text{kg}}} \approx 3.463 \times 10^5 \, \text{m/s} \).

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Work Function
The work function is a pivotal concept in the photoelectric effect. It represents the minimum energy needed to remove an electron from the surface of a metal. In the context of the photoelectric effect, the work function determines whether electrons can be emitted when light strikes a surface.
For caesium metal, the work function is given as \(2.14 \, \text{eV}\). This measures the energy in electronvolts, a common unit in physics to express tiny amounts of energy relevant at atomic or subatomic levels. To perform calculations in SI units, it’s essential to convert this to joules. The conversion reveals that the work function for caesium in joules is \(2.14 \, \text{eV} \times 1.602 \times 10^{-19} \, \text{J/eV} = 3.42828 \times 10^{-19} \, \text{J}\).
This value sets the foundation for discovering how much additional energy from a photon is available to an electron once it surpasses this barrier.
Kinetic Energy
Kinetic energy in the context of the photoelectric effect refers to the energy that the emitted electron possesses after escaping the surface of the metal. This concept is crucial as it indicates how much leftover energy the electron retains after overcoming the work function barrier.
According to the photoelectric equation, the maximum kinetic energy \(K_{\text{max}}\) of the emitted electrons is calculated by subtracting the work function \(\phi\) from the photon energy \(E\). Thus, \(K_{\text{max}} = E - \phi\).
In the given problem, after substituting the values, the calculation yields \(K_{\text{max}} = 3.9756 \times 10^{-19} \, \text{J} - 3.42828 \times 10^{-19} \, \text{J} = 5.4732 \times 10^{-20} \, \text{J}\).
This shows the energy available as kinetic energy after overcoming the initial energy needed to eject the electron.
Stopping Potential
The stopping potential, \(V_{\text{stop}}\), plays a significant role in experiments validating the photoelectric effect. It refers to the potential difference required to stop photoemitted electrons completely.
When calculating the stopping potential, we use the relationship between maximum kinetic energy and electric potential energy: \(K_{\text{max}} = e \cdot V_{\text{stop}}\), where \(e\) is the charge of an electron. Rearranging gives \(V_{\text{stop}} = \frac{K_{\text{max}}}{e}\).
Substituting known values results in \(V_{\text{stop}} = \frac{5.4732 \times 10^{-20} \, \text{J}}{1.602 \times 10^{-19} \, \text{C}} = 0.342 \, \text{V}\).
This potential gives a measure of how much voltage is needed to halt the photoemitted electrons, confirming the particle nature of light.
Photon Energy
Photon energy is the energy carried by a single photon, directly proportional to its frequency. It forms the basis of how much energy is imparted to electrons in the photoelectric effect.
Photon energy \(E\) is calculated using Planck's equation, \(E = h \cdot u\), where \(h = 6.626 \times 10^{-34} \, \text{J s}\) (Planck's constant), and \(u = 6 \times 10^{14} \, \text{Hz}\) (the frequency of light).
The result is \(E = 6.626 \times 10^{-34} \, \text{J s} \times 6 \times 10^{14} \, \text{Hz} = 3.9756 \times 10^{-19} \, \text{J}\).
This energy must be sufficient to overcome the work function for electron emission to occur, demonstrating that photon frequency is a critical condition for the photoelectric effect.
Electron Emission
Electron emission describes the process in which electrons are ejected from a metal surface when struck by photons. A fundamental effect explained by the photoelectric effect, it highlights the particle-like properties of light.
The conditions necessary for electron emission to occur include:
  • Photon energy must exceed the work function of the metal.
  • The frequency of light must be above the threshold frequency.

When these requirements are met, the incident photons impart enough energy to electrons, allowing them to be released from the metal's surface.
This phenomenon supports the concept that light not only behaves as waves but also as particles, challenging traditional wave-only theories.
Planck's Constant
Planck's constant \(h\) is a fundamental constant that bridges the wave and particle theories of light. It was introduced by Max Planck in trying to solve the black-body radiation problem, marking the beginning of quantum mechanics.
Planck's constant has the value of \(6.626 \times 10^{-34} \, \text{J s}\) and is used to quantify the relational energy of a photon to its frequency through the equation: \(E = h \cdot u\).
This constant is vital in calculations related to quantum phenomena like the photoelectric effect.
  • Establishes the quantized nature of light energy.
  • Marks a shift from classical physics to quantum perspectives.

The importance of Planck's constant cannot be overstated as it is instrumental in numerous equations and applications within quantum mechanics, drawing the bounds of how microscopic particles behave energetically.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

The work function for the following metals is given: Na: \(2.75 \mathrm{eV} ;\) K: \(2.30 \mathrm{eV}\); Mo: \(4.17 \mathrm{eV}\); Ni: \(5.15 \mathrm{eV}\). Which of these metals will not give photoelectric emission for a radiation of wavelength \(3300 \AA\) from a He-Cd laser placed \(1 \mathrm{~m}\) away from the photocell? What happens if the laser is brought nearer and placed \(50 \mathrm{~cm}\) away?

(a) A monoenergetic electron beam with electron speed of \(5.20 \times 10^{6} \mathrm{~m} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}\) is subject to a magnetic field of \(1.30 \times 10^{-4} \mathrm{~T}\) normal to the beam velocity. What is the radius of the circle traced by the beam, given \(e / m\) for electron equals \(1.76 \times 10^{11} \mathrm{C} \mathrm{kg}^{-1}\). (b) Is the formula you employ in (a) valid for calculating radius of the path of a \(20 \mathrm{MeV}\) electron beam? If not, in what way is it modified? [Note: Exercises \(11.20(\mathrm{~b})\) and \(11.21(\mathrm{~b})\) take you to relativistic mechanics which is beyond the scope of this book. They have been inserted here simply to emphasise the point that the formulas you use in part (a) of the exercises are not valid at very high speeds or energies. See answers at the end to know what 'very high speed or energy' means.]

The wavelength of light from the spectral emission line of sodium is \(589 \mathrm{~nm}\). Find the kinetic energy at which (a) an electron, and (b) a neutron, would have the same de Broglie wavelength.

A mercury lamp is a convenient source for studying frequency dependence of photoelectric emission, since it gives a number of spectral lines ranging from the UV to the red end of the visible spectrum. In our experiment with rubidium photo-cell, the following lines from a mercury source were used: \(\lambda_{1}=3650 \AA, \lambda_{2}=4047 \AA, \lambda_{3}=4358 \AA, \lambda_{4}=5461 \AA, \lambda_{5}=6907 \AA\) The stopping voltages, respectively, were measured to be: \(V_{01}=1.28 \mathrm{~V}, V_{02}=0.95 \mathrm{~V}, V_{03}=0.74 \mathrm{~V}, V_{04}=0.16 \mathrm{~V}, V_{05}=0 \mathrm{~V}\) Determine the value of Planck's constant \(h\), the threshold frequency and work function for the material. [Note: You will notice that to get \(h\) from the data, you will need to know \(e\) (which you can take to be \(1.6 \times 10^{-19} \mathrm{C}\) ). Experiments of this kind on Na, Li, K, etc. were performed by Millikan, who, using his own value of \(e\) (from the oil-drop experiment) confirmed Einstein's photoelectric equation and at the same time gave an independent estimate of the value of \(h\).]

Find the (a) maximum frequency, and (b) minimum wavelength of X-rays produced by \(30 \mathrm{kV}\) electrons.

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