Another Photoelectric effect problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the stopping potential in a photoelectric effect experiment involving sodium. The key equations utilized include the relationship between frequency and wavelength, given by \( f = \frac{c}{\lambda} \), and the kinetic energy equation \( \frac{1}{2} m_e v_{max}^2 = hf - \phi \). The electron rest mass \( m_e \) is definitively stated as \( 9.109 \times 10^{-31} \) kg, and it is clarified that this value should not be multiplied by the number of electrons in sodium. The stopping potential can be derived using \( K.E_{max} = eV_{stop} \).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the photoelectric effect and its principles.
  • Familiarity with the equations of motion and energy conservation.
  • Knowledge of the constants involved, such as the speed of light (c) and Planck's constant (h).
  • Basic understanding of electron properties, specifically the electron rest mass (m_e).
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the photoelectric effect equations in detail.
  • Learn about the implications of the work function in different materials.
  • Explore the concept of cutoff frequency and its relation to the work function.
  • Investigate experimental setups for measuring stopping potential in photoelectric experiments.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on quantum mechanics and the photoelectric effect, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to electron behavior and energy calculations.

creativepinky
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Homework Statement



In a photoelectric-effect experiment, light of wavelength (x) nm is incident on a sample of sodium. The work function of sodium is (y) J. Calculate the stopping potential required to just stop all electrons from reaching the anode.

Homework Equations



To work out frequency, I've used taken c= λ ×f, therefore f= c/λ
which can now be put into:

1/2 m_e v_max^2=hf- ϕ

(which can then be used in the equation v_max=eV_stop to work out the stopping potential.)

The Attempt at a Solution



My question is do you take the value for the electron rest mass (m_e) as 9.109 x 10^-31 to calculate this or do you need to multiply this by the number of electrons that are within sodium (11) and then use this for the value of m_e?

Many thanks in anticipation.
 
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creativepinky said:

Homework Statement



In a photoelectric-effect experiment, light of wavelength (x) nm is incident on a sample of sodium. The work function of sodium is (y) J. Calculate the stopping potential required to just stop all electrons from reaching the anode.

Homework Equations



To work out frequency, I've used taken c= λ ×f, therefore f= c/λ
which can now be put into:

1/2 m_e v_max^2=hf- ϕ

(which can then be used in the equation v_max=eV_stop to work out the stopping potential.)

The Attempt at a Solution



My question is do you take the value for the electron rest mass (m_e) as 9.109 x 10^-31 to calculate this or do you need to multiply this by the number of electrons that are within sodium (11) and then use this for the value of m_e?

Many thanks in anticipation.

You mean KE_{max} = eV_{stop} right? If you multiplied by 11 wouldn't that mean the individual photon released 11 electrons from the atom? Do you even need to use m_e?
 
K.E max =eVstop = h(f-f0)=hc/λ - y (Work function)

where f is freq, f0 is cutoff freq

the work function (y) can be related
f0 = y/h = c/λ0


hope that helps
 

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