A photocell contains a metal cathode and a transparent anode in vacuum

PHYSICS · Subjective · CBSE · Physics · Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter · Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter

Problem

A photocell contains a metal cathode and a transparent anode in vacuum. The cathode is connected to the negative terminal of a variable d.c. supply through a 1.5 kΩ1.5\,\text{k}\Omega resistor; the anode is connected directly to the positive terminal. Monochromatic light of wavelength 350 nm350\,\text{nm} falls uniformly on the cathode. With the supply set to +6.0 V+6.0\,\text{V} (anode positive), a steady current of 1.6 mA1.6\,\text{mA} flows. When the supply polarity is reversed so that the anode is negative, the current drops to zero when the magnitude of the supply voltage reaches 0.80 V0.80\,\text{V}. Determine the work function of the cathode material in electron-volts.

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