Calculate Electron Kinetic Energy: Photon Frequency & Negative Potassium Plate

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the kinetic energy of an electron ejected from a negatively charged potassium plate when struck by a photon with a frequency of 5.8 × 1014 Hz. The work function of potassium is established at 3.6 × 10-19 J. The kinetic energy (KE) of the ejected electron is determined using the formula KE = hf - φ, where h is Planck's constant (6.626 × 10-34 J·s) and φ is the work function. The final calculated kinetic energy is 2.454 × 10-20 J, confirming the accuracy of the calculation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of photon frequency and energy relationship
  • Knowledge of the work function in photoelectric effect
  • Familiarity with Planck's constant (h)
  • Basic algebra for energy calculations
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  • Study the photoelectric effect and its implications in quantum physics
  • Learn about Planck's constant and its applications in energy calculations
  • Explore the concept of work function in different materials
  • Investigate the relationship between frequency and energy of photons
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on quantum mechanics and the photoelectric effect, as well as educators seeking clear examples of energy calculations in practical scenarios.

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A photon with a frequency of 5.8 × 1014 Hz strikes a clean, negatively charged potassium plate. The work function of potassium is 3.6 × 10-19 J. Calculate the kinetic energy of an electron ejected from the plate by this electron.

Explanation is here i think:

bbc.co.uk/scotland/education/bitesize/higher/physics/radiation/optoelectronics1_rev.shtml

I don't understand anything in physics and I have this home test, and this is the only question I need answered. If you can please help me, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you ^^
 
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What have you done yourself? That page is very clear and basically gives you all the tools you need to answer the question.
 
I got 2.454x10^-20 J as my final answer
 
Looks ok to me.
 

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