Determining Work Function

  • #1

Homework Statement



When a monochromatic light with a wavelength of 254 nm falls onto the surface of a particular metal it causes a photocurrent to flow. A stopping voltage of 2.30 V is required to completely block the photocurrent. What is the work function of the material?

Homework Equations


KE = hf - Wo
hf = hc/wavelength


The Attempt at a Solution


I keep getting a negative number which is an impossible answer for a work function.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.
 
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  • #2
Before solving convert stopping potential to energy units.(J)
Show your calculations.
 
  • #3
Thanks for pointing that out. I had the wrong units which messed up everything.
 

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