How to find planks constant from a given graph?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating Planck's constant (h) from a graph related to the photoelectric effect. A user initially attempted to use the formula h = (f1 - f2) / (Ua - Ua2) but found discrepancies with the known value of 6.63 x 10^-34 J·s. The correct approach involves understanding the relationship between the stopping potential (Ua) and the frequency of photons, emphasizing that Ua represents the energy threshold for electrons. The calculation must account for the electron charge (e = 1.602 x 10^-19 C) to achieve accurate results.

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  • Understanding of the photoelectric effect
  • Familiarity with the concept of stopping potential
  • Knowledge of energy-frequency relationships in quantum mechanics
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phys02
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Hi everyone, I can't seem to calculate Planks constant (h) from this graph. I thought it should simply be the gradient? So I used h= (f1-f2)/(Ua-Ua2) but found it to be nothing near the actual constant of 6.63*10^34!
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
 

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It depends on what the graph is showing.
When U is in volts, you can't use U = h*f, since U isn't the energy.
 
I'm assuming [tex]U_a[/tex] is the stopping potential.

Derive the relationship between the stopping potential and the frequency of the photons in a photoelectric effect experiment.

I'll help you get started, the stopping potential is that potential at which an electron with maximal kinetic energy cannot reach the other electrode. It doesn't have enough energy. Contemplate what energy it leaves the metal with, and how much energy it has left as it approaches the second electrode, and where that energy goes, and you should have your answer.

From there, the relationship between the stopping potential and frequency shown in the graph should be straight-forward to deduce. You're only off by a factor of the electron charge (e=1.602 * 10^-19 C)
 

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