Identifying Metal from Photoelectric Effect Experiments

AI Thread Summary
In a photoelectric effect experiment using 200.0 nm light, a minimum opposing electric potential of 1.90V was needed to stop released electrons. The calculations involved determining the frequency and energy of the photons, leading to a maximum kinetic energy equation. An initial attempt yielded a work function value that did not match any of the provided metal options. A correction was suggested regarding the value of Planck's constant used in calculations. Ultimately, the correct approach involves recalculating using the accurate constant and comparing the results to the work functions listed.

What do you think the answer is?

  • Iron

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Nickel

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Magnesium

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Potassium

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Aluminum

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Zinc

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Platinum

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Total voters
    0
  • Poll closed .
sammiekurr
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Homework Statement



In a photoelectric effect experiment, 200.0 nm light was applied to a metal surface causing release of electrons. It was determined that a minimum 1.90V opposing electric potential was required to prevent the released electrons from striking the collection electrode. Based on the following photoelectric work functions (ionization energies, Ei, required for photoelectron release), the identity of the metal was _____.

Iron 7.21x10-19 J
Nickel 8.03x10-19 J
Magnesium 5.90x10-19 J
Potassium 3.69x10-19 J
Aluminum 6.54x10-19 J
Zinc 6.89x10-19 J
Platinum 1.02x10-18 J


Homework Equations


Kmax = h * v - ∅ [maximum kinetic energy = Planck's constant*frequency - work function]
v = c/λ [frequency = speed of light / wavelength]
E = h * v [radiant energy = Planck's constant*frequency]
h * v = eV + ∅ [Planck's constant * frequency = opposing electrostatic potential energy + work function] [eV = electron charge * required retarding voltage]


The Attempt at a Solution


I've tried this problem a dozen times. My professor has given no examples anything like this and there are no similar problems in the textbook or online, so I am completely lost. I don't even know how much of this is relevant
I've calculated that:
v=c/λ=3.00E8/200E-9=1.5E15
E=hv=(6.66252E-33)(1.5E15)=9.99378E-18
Kmax=3.0438E-19J = (6.66252E-33)(1.5E15)-∅ so ∅=9.6894E-18
I keep coming back to ∅=9.6894E-18 but that's not an answer choice and I don't know what I'm missing. We didn't go over any of this in class.
 
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You calculated the photon energy with wrong h. It is h=6.66252E-34 J/s. Correct it, subtract eV and compare the result with the work functions in the table.

ehild
 
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