Solving Photoelectric Effect Problems in Grade 12 Physics

In summary, the conversation is about grade 12 physics and the use of light and photocells to generate energy. The first question asks for the minimum number of photocells needed to produce a certain amount of energy, while the second question involves light frequency and the speed of emitted photoelectrons to determine the work function of a photosensitive metal. The third question relates to the de Broglie wavelength of photoelectrons emitted from a metal with a specific work function. The speaker also requests for attempts to solve the questions to be shown.
  • #1
rfull
1
0
Grade 12 physics help. Any help would be greatly apprecitated. Thanks

1. A light source with a wavelength of 550 nm shines on photocells, each with a work function of 1.60 eV. What is the minimum number of photocells required to generate 5.25 ´ 10-19 J of energy?

2. Light with a frequency of 8.00 ´ 1014 Hz is incident on a photosensitive metal, resulting in the emission of photoelectrons with a speed of 2.55 ´ 105 m/s. The work function of this photosensitive metal is _____ eV.

3. Light with a wavelength of 350 nm is incident on a metal with a work function of 2.00 eV. The shortest de Broglie wavelength for the photoelectrons that are emitted
 
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  • #2
Please show your attempts to solve them. It's the way the forum works.
 

1. What is the photoelectric effect?

The photoelectric effect is a phenomenon in which light, when shone on a metal surface, causes the emission of electrons from the surface. This effect was first observed by Heinrich Hertz in 1887 and was later explained by Albert Einstein in 1905 through his theory of quantum mechanics.

2. How does the photoelectric effect relate to the wave-particle duality of light?

The photoelectric effect provides evidence for the wave-particle duality of light, which states that light can behave as both a wave and a particle. In the photoelectric effect, light is considered to be a stream of particles, called photons, which have discrete energies and can cause the emission of electrons from a metal surface.

3. What is the work function in the context of the photoelectric effect?

The work function is the minimum amount of energy required to remove an electron from a metal surface. It is a characteristic property of each metal and is necessary for the photoelectric effect to occur. If the energy of the incident light is greater than the work function of the metal, electrons will be emitted from the surface.

4. How does the intensity of light affect the number of emitted electrons in the photoelectric effect?

The intensity of light does not affect the number of emitted electrons in the photoelectric effect. The number of emitted electrons is determined by the energy of the incident photons, not the number of photons. However, increasing the intensity of light will result in a greater number of photons and therefore a greater number of electrons being emitted over a certain period of time.

5. What is the stopping potential in the photoelectric effect?

The stopping potential is the minimum potential difference required to stop the emission of electrons from a metal surface in the photoelectric effect. It is directly proportional to the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons and can be used to calculate the work function of the metal surface.

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