Work function

[phy]

A light source of wavelength lambda illuminates a metal and ejects photoelectrons with a maximum kinetic energy of 1.00 eV. A second light source with half the wavelength of the first ejects photoelectrons with a maximum kinetic energy of 4.00 eV. What is the work functin of the metal?

I know I can use the equation for maximum kinetic energy defined by K=hf - phi where K is the maximum kinetic energy for emmitted electrons, h Planck's constant and f is frequency. Since we don't have frequency, I thought of rewriting the equation as K=hc/lambda - phi but now I don't know how to incorporate both light sources and to actually to solve for phi. Do I have to write two separate linear equations and solve them or is there something esle I'm supposed to be doing? Help please? :confused:

[Parth Dave]

You have the right idea. Two seperate equations and solve them. Go with it.

[jtbell]

Do I have to write two separate linear equations and solve them

Bingo! :smile:

Any time you have two unknown quantities, you should suspect that you'll have to set up two equations for them, and solve them together.

[phy]

Haha I just reread the question. I think I was having another blonde moment just a little while ago. Thanks for your help guys :smile: