Three clean metallic surfaces A, B and C have work functions

PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter · Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter

Problem

Three clean metallic surfaces A, B and C have work functions ϕA=2.0 eV\phi_A = 2.0\,\text{eV}, ϕB=3.0 eV\phi_B = 3.0\,\text{eV} and ϕC=4.5 eV\phi_C = 4.5\,\text{eV}, respectively. Monochromatic light of wavelength 400 nm400\,\text{nm} falls normally on each surface with the same intensity. (Take h=6.63×10−34 J sh=6.63\times10^{-34}\,\text{J\,s}, c=3.0×108 m s−1c=3.0\times10^{8}\,\text{m\,s}^{-1}, e=1.6×10−19 Ce=1.6\times10^{-19}\,\text{C} and 1 eV=1.6×10−19 J1\,\text{eV}=1.6\times10^{-19}\,\text{J}.) (i) Calculate the energy of a photon of the incident light in electron-volt. (ii) For each metal, state whether photo-emission occurs. Show your comparison clearly. (iii) For those metals that do emit electrons, calculate the stopping potential required to just halt the most energetic photo-electrons. (iv) Arrange the emitting metals in descending order of their stopping potentials and hence of the maximum kinetic energies of their photo-electrons.

Related theory

Browse the problem library