Einstein's photoelectric equation

[t_n_p]

Homework Statement

1. How can Planck's constant and the work function be determined from the following graph?

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/9076/untitledgo5.jpg

2. Calculate the frequencies corresponding to the cut-off wavelengths for filters 15 and 29 in table 1. Take speed of light as 3*10^8 m/s.

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/2240/untitled2jh5.jpg

The Attempt at a Solution

I know the following equations, but can't seem to piece it all together

KE = hf - W

KE = eVs (where Vs is called the stopping potential, the potential for which the photocurrent reaches a value equal to zero)

and Vs = (h/e)f - (W/e)

 

[rahuldandekar]

A hint: the equation of a line which intersects the x-axis at A and has slope m is

y = m*(x-A)

(Think about why... the case y=0 )

 

[andrevdh]

1. You can see from your final equation that the gradient of the graph will be h/e and the y-intercept of the graph (which is not shown in the picture) will be (- W/e). Your final equation is a linear function of the frequency of the incident light.

2. The filters transmits colours with longer wavelengths up to the minimum wavelengths stated. Just calculate the frequencies (cut-off ...) for these minimum wavelengths from

c = \lambda f

This means that these filters will transmit light of lower frequencies up to these calculated ones. Since c is constant in the equation above one need to choose a larger f with a smaller \lambda to obtain the same product. That is a short wavelength causes the peaks to pass a point quicker (larger frequency) than a longer wavelength when they both move at the same speed.

 

[t_n_p]

In regards to q1, gradient will be h/e. Therefore h = gradient*e and work function = y-intercept*-e?

Sorry, I'm slightly confused.

 

[andrevdh]

Correct. The first graph plots the stopping potential for the emitted electrons as a function of the frequency of the incident photons on the material. It therefore displays the relationship between Vs and f. That is exactly what your final equation gives - the relationship between Vs and f. Both h/e and W/e are constants in this equation. So this is a linear relationship between Vs and f.

 

[t_n_p]

Gotcha, now in regards to q2.
I get the explanation behind c = lambda*f (i.e. as wavelenth gets smaller, frequency gets larger and vice versa), but how do I actually find the numerical values of the frequencies?

 

[andrevdh]

The minimum wavelengths are given in the table so you just calculate the maximum frequencies with

c = \lambda f

 

[GoldPheonix]

You forgot some equations.

c = \lambda f

E = h f

Where h -> Plank's Cosnt, f -> frequency, and c -> speed of light, E -> energy, lambda -> wavelength