Calculating Energy of Photoelectrons Ejected from a Magnesium Surface

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the energy of photoelectrons ejected from a magnesium surface with a work function of 3.68 eV when exposed to 215 nm wavelength light. The initial calculations yielded an energy of 3.29 x 10^-19 J and 2.03 eV, which were incorrect. Participants suggested that rounding errors may have occurred and recommended performing the calculations in one step to improve accuracy. After re-evaluating, the correct energy values were identified as 3.35 x 10^-19 J and 2.09 eV. The conversation emphasizes the importance of precision in calculations involving physical constants and equations.
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Homework Statement



A magnesium surface has a work function of 3.68 eV. Electromagnetic waves with a 215 nm wavelength strikes the surface and eject photoelectrons. Calculate the energy of the photoelectrons in Joules and in electron volts.

W= 3.68 eV = 5.96x10-19 J
wavelength= 215 nm = 2.15x10-7 m
E=?
h= 6.63x10-34 J.s
c= 3.00x108 m/s
melectron= 9.1x10-31 kg

Homework Equations



v=f(wavelength)
E=hf-W


The Attempt at a Solution



v= f(wavelength)
f= v/wavelength
f= (3.0x108 m/s)
f= 1.39x1015 hz

E= hf-W
= (6.63x10-34 J.s) (1.39x1015 Hz) - 5.96x10-19 J)
E=3.29x10-19 J
E= 2.03 eV

The answer that I got is wrong. The real answer is supposed to be 3.35x10-19 J, and 2.09 eV. Does anyone know where I went wrong? If you do, I would appreciate if you could explain it too
Thank you!
 
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You are doing it right, you are just getting rounding errors I believe.

Try writing it all out into one big equation. without substituting any numbers. Then just put all of the numbers in at the same time for one calculation at the end, this will be more accurate.
I just did it the same way you did and got 2.09eV
 
Oh, that's true.
thank you!
 
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