Photoelectric Effect
 

Photoelectric Effect problem 19


Experiments are conducted to investigate the photoelectric effect.


  • It is found that, on exposure of a metal surface to light, either electrons are emitted immediately or they are not emitted at all. Suggest why this observation does not support a wave theory of light.


  • Data for the wavelength of the radiation incident on the metal surface and the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons are shown in the table below.




    • Without any calculation, suggest why no value is given for for radiation of wavelength .


    • Use data from the table to determine the work function energy of the surface.


  • Radiation of wavelength gives rise to a maximum photoelectric current . The intensity of the incident radiation is maintained constant, and the wavelength is now reduced. State and explain the effect of this change on


    • the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons,


    • the maximum photoelectric current .


 

main author and content editor: Ebenezer Famadewa