Planck's problem (waves and frequency)

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves the photoelectric effect, specifically comparing the properties of two photons (A and B) striking a metal surface. The frequency of photon A is stated to be double that of the threshold frequency of photon B, while the wavelength of photon B is half that of photon A. The question seeks to determine the difference in speed of the electrons ejected by these photons.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between frequency, wavelength, and the energy of photons. There are questions about the definition of threshold frequency and its relevance to the problem. Some participants express confusion regarding the calculations and the assumptions made, such as why a specific threshold frequency was chosen.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the problem, with participants seeking clarification on the setup and the relationships between the variables involved. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need for complete problem specification and the importance of the work function in the context of the photoelectric effect.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of clarity in the original problem statement and the implications of choosing arbitrary values for frequency. There is also discussion about the assumptions regarding energy transfer in the photoelectric effect.

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Homework Statement



the frequency of A is doubled the threshold frequency of B.
if the wavelength of B is half that of A, what is the difference in speed?



Homework Equations



E=hv
E=1/2mu^2
c=vλ

The Attempt at a Solution


the answer is : square root of 3
i tried different ways,,,but just not getting anywhere.
please help
 
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It helps if you specify your problem completely.
I take it you mean this is a photoelectric effect problem?

light A has double the threshold frequency of light B (what determines the threshold frequency? Write it down.)

wavelength of B is half that of A (you can write that down?)

what is the difference in speed ... of what?
the two kinds of light? That would be zero.
the speed of electrons ejected by each type?
... do you have the relation between the energy of the incoming photon and the kinetic energy of the ejected electron?

"I tried different ways" does not tell us what you tried... we cannot help you if you don't tell us.
 
Simon Bridge said:
It helps if you specify your problem completely.
I take it you mean this is a photoelectric effect problem?

light A has double the threshold frequency of light B (what determines the threshold frequency? Write it down.)

wavelength of B is half that of A (you can write that down?)

what is the difference in speed ... of what?
the two kinds of light? That would be zero.
the speed of electrons ejected by each type?
... do you have the relation between the energy of the incoming photon and the kinetic energy of the ejected electron?

"I tried different ways" does not tell us what you tried... we cannot help you if you don't tell us.

OH YUP. sorry about that. this is the exact question.

Two photons (A&B) strike a metal surface and eject an electron.

The frequency of photon A is double the threshold frequency, while the wavelength of
photon B is ½ that of photon A.

What is the difference in speed (by what factor) of the electrons?

Express answer as a whole number.

my attempts:
i said the thresold frequency is = 1 hz
then A's frequency must be =2 hz
then the λ of A = (3.0x10^8m/s)/(2hz)=1.5x10^8m
B's λ is 1/2 of A = (1.5x10^8m/s)/2 = 0.75 x 10^8m
B's f is = (3.0x10^8m/s)/(0.75 x 10^8m) =4hz
i used the equation ΔEA=1/2mu^2 ΔEB=1/2mu^2 (i cancled m from noth equations)
ΔEA=1/2u^2=hv
[itex]\sqrt{}hv/0.5[/itex]=u
for A = [itex]\sqrt{}(6.62x10^-34)(2)/(0.5)[/itex] = 5.14x10^-17m/s
i repeated the same thing for B (i used 4 hz for B) = i got 7.2x10^-17 m/s
its asking for the difference in speed
(7.2x10^-17)-(5.14x10^-17)=2.06x10^-17m/s
I'm no near the answer [itex]\sqrt{}3[/itex]
 
lemin_rew said:
my attempts:
i said the thresold frequency is = 1 hz
why choose 1Hz? Why not just leave it as ##\nu_{thresh}## or ##\nu_0## or something?
then A's frequency must be =2 hz
then the λ of A = (3.0x10^8m/s)/(2hz)=1.5x10^8m
B's λ is 1/2 of A = (1.5x10^8m/s)/2 = 0.75 x 10^8m
B's f is = (3.0x10^8m/s)/(0.75 x 10^8m) =4hz
i used the equation ΔEA=1/2mu^2 ΔEB=1/2mu^2 (i cancled m from noth equations)
ΔEA=1/2u^2=hv
Doesn't this mean that all the energy of the incoming photon goes to the kinetic energy in the ejected electron?
Doesn't the work function have a say in this?
 

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