# Calculating work function of a metal given stopping potential and frequency of light

SirNevermind1

## Homework Statement

In a particular photocell, light with a frequency of 8×10^14Hz is directed onto the cell and it is found that a stopping potential of 1.2V is needed to reduce the photoelectric current to zero.
Calculate the work function of the metal in the cell.

## Homework Equations

E=hf
E=hc/λ
hf=$\phi$ + Ek

## The Attempt at a Solution

Not much luck with this. Most sources that calculate the work function require the threshold frequency first, but we don't have that. Using E=hf and E=hc/λ I managed to find the energy of the light/photon as 5.304×10^-19 and the wavelength to be 3.725×10^-7 but now I'm stuck.

The maximum kinetic energy carried by an electron is related to the stopping potential. To reduce the photo current to zero, the stopping potential has to overcome the kinetic energy of the electrons. Therefore, $E_K = e V_s .$ But you also know, from equation 3 in your list that $hf = E_K + \phi.$ You can now solve for $\phi.$