Monochromatic photons each of energy strike a metal surface whose work function is
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Particles and radiation · Particles and radiation
Problem
Monochromatic photons each of energy 5.50eV strike a metal surface whose work function is 4.00eV. All emitted electrons may be treated as non-relativistic. Use e=1.60×10−19C and me=9.11×10−31kg.
(a) Calculate the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons in joules.
(b) Determine the maximum speed of the emitted electrons.
(c) Compare this speed with 0.10c, where c is the speed of light, and state whether relativistic effects are expected to be significant for these electrons. Justify your answer quantitatively.