Calculating Maximum Kinetic Energy of Ejected Electrons After Wavelength Doubles

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves photons of energy 12 eV incident on a metal, with a stopping potential of 8.0 V applied. The question asks for the maximum kinetic energy of ejected electrons when the wavelength of the incident photons is doubled.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses confusion about how to approach the problem, particularly regarding the use of the kinetic energy equation and the lack of frequency information. Other participants discuss the relationship between energy, frequency, and wavelength, questioning how to derive the necessary values.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different interpretations of the problem and discussing relevant equations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the formulation of an equation that relates wavelength to maximum energy, but there is no explicit consensus on the approach to take.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the derivation of wavelength from the given energy and stopping potential, and the original poster indicates a lack of clarity on how to proceed with the calculations.

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Homework Statement



Photons of energy 12 eV are incident on a metal. It is found that current flows from the metal until a stopping potential of 8.0 V is applied.
If the wavelength of the incident photons is doubled, what is the maximum kinetic energy of the ejected electrons?

Homework Equations



I am absolutely clueless. I feel like I'm supposed to use KE = hf - W but how am I supposed to know the frequency if it isn't given? So I don't think I'm supposed to use this one.
Please just lead me towards the right direction. I don't have a clue as to which equation to use.

The Attempt at a Solution



This question is gibberish to me and I don't know how to even approach it. Please help.
 
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Fair enough, did you look at the third link on Google? The Yahoo Answer one?
 


JameB said:
Fair enough, did you look at the third link on Google? The Yahoo Answer one?

Yes but it doesn't say how you get wavelength. Although E = hf and f = c/wavelength.
E = h(c/wavelength). In which case what is E?
 


It does. What that person did was used the relevant equations and formulated an equation that related the wavelength to the maximum energy.

Ekmax = (h×c/λ) - (e×Vs-E)

Now plug in the data you know, and use two variables for the wavelength and solve for the ratio.
 

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