Calculating Stopping Potential with a Filtered Light Source

Therefore, the stopping potential would still be 0. In summary, the stopping potential for a filter that only allows light at or below the cutoff frequency to pass through would be 0, as the work function remains unchanged.
  • #1
yaylee
22
0

Homework Statement



Suppose a filter allowed through only light of frequency fo (the cut-off frequency) or lower. In this case, what would the stopping potential be?


Homework Equations



KEmax = (charge of electron)(stopping potential) = hf - Work function, where Work function = hfcutoff

The Attempt at a Solution



Because the filter is now only allowing lights AT or BELOW the cutoff frequency, we can arrange our eaution as follows:

(e)(Vstopping) = hf - hfcutoff = h(f-fcutoff). But because f = fcutoff, (e)(Vstopping) = 0. Since e has a value of 1.6 x 10^-19 C, this forces stopping potential to be 0. However: this was marked incorrect.

Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated!
 
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  • #2
Somehow, "work function" has become "h*fcutoff" in your work. That is not true. The work function of the material does not change just because the light has passed through a filter.
 

1. What is the Photoelectric Effect?

The Photoelectric Effect is a phenomenon in which electrons are emitted from a material when light of a certain frequency or higher is shined onto it.

2. Who discovered the Photoelectric Effect?

The Photoelectric Effect was first observed by Heinrich Hertz in 1887, but it was not fully explained until Albert Einstein's work in 1905.

3. What is the significance of the Photoelectric Effect?

The Photoelectric Effect helped to prove the wave-particle duality of light and provided evidence for Einstein's theory of photons. It also paved the way for the development of modern technology, such as solar cells and photodiodes.

4. How does the Photoelectric Effect work?

When light of a certain frequency, known as the threshold frequency, is shined onto a material, it causes the electrons in the material to absorb energy and become excited. If the energy absorbed is enough to overcome the binding energy of the electrons, they will be emitted from the material as photoelectrons.

5. What are some applications of the Photoelectric Effect?

The Photoelectric Effect has many practical applications, including solar panels, photodiodes, and photoelectric cells used in digital cameras. It is also used in scientific research, such as in spectroscopy to analyze the properties of materials.

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