Photoelectric effect - experimental

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on determining the work function (W) of a metal in a photoelectric effect experiment. Two methods are proposed: using the textbook Planck's constant (h) to average the work functions obtained from kinetic energies (k.e.$_1$, k.e.$_2$) or solving simultaneous equations for W directly. The consensus is that solving the simultaneous equations provides a more accurate value for W, as it utilizes the experimental value of h rather than a textbook approximation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the photoelectric effect and its principles.
  • Familiarity with kinetic energy equations related to photon interactions.
  • Knowledge of Planck's constant and its significance in quantum mechanics.
  • Ability to solve simultaneous equations in a scientific context.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and implications of the photoelectric effect equations.
  • Learn about the experimental determination of Planck's constant.
  • Explore advanced techniques for measuring work functions in different metals.
  • Investigate the impact of experimental errors on quantum measurements.
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, experimental physicists, and educators involved in teaching quantum mechanics and the photoelectric effect.

MarkovMarakov
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Photoelectric effect -- experimental

Homework Statement


Suppose you are doing an experiment to determine the work function of a metal.*
You get k.e.$_1$, $\nu_1$ and k.e.$_2, \nu_2$.
*
We know that k.e.= $h\nu - W$ but when you solve the simultaneous equations, we have a $h$ slightly different from the textbook value.

Question: In such a situation should you

a) Use the textbook $h$ then average {$W_1,W_2$}; or

b) Simply solve the simultaneous equations for $W$

I believe that the values obtained will be different. And no further experiments are done.

Thank you.


Homework Equations


see above.


The Attempt at a Solution


The 2 proposed methods of determining W
 
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will produce different values. The more accurate method would be to solve the simultaneous equations for W. This is because the textbook h is not necessarily the exact value of h you should use in the experiment. By solving the simultaneous equations, you are using the exact value of h that is found in the experiment. Therefore, it is recommended to solve the simultaneous equations for W.
 

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