Threshold frequency and wavelength of electrons in the photoelectric effect

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the threshold frequency and wavelength of emitted electrons in the photoelectric effect using a metal with a work function of 2.1 eV and incident light wavelength of 500 nm. The threshold frequency is calculated as 5.08 × 1014 Hz using the formula f0 = φ/h. The energy of the incident photons is determined to be 2.48 eV, leading to a maximum kinetic energy of emitted electrons of 0.38 eV. The wavelength of emitted electrons is estimated to be approximately 2 nm.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the photoelectric effect
  • Familiarity with the work function concept
  • Knowledge of Planck's constant (h = 4.136 × 10-15 eV·s)
  • Basic principles of energy conservation in photon-electron interactions
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn about the photoelectric effect and its applications in modern physics
  • Study the derivation and implications of the work function in different metals
  • Explore the relationship between kinetic energy and wavelength of emitted electrons
  • Investigate advanced topics such as electron diffraction and wave-particle duality
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on quantum mechanics and the photoelectric effect, as well as educators seeking to clarify these concepts for their curriculum.

Ezequiel
Messages
18
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Electrons are emitted from a metal as a consequence of their absorption of energy from a light beam. Find the threshold frequency of the metal and the wavelength of emitted electrons.

Wavelength of incident light λ = 500 nm
Work function of the metal \phi = 2.1 eV

Homework Equations



Threshold frequency:

f0 = \frac{\phi}{h}

The Attempt at a Solution



Threshold frequency:

f0 = \frac{2.1 eV}{4.136 \times 10^{-15} eV·s } = 5.08 × 1014 Hz

Is this correct?

How can I find the wavelength of emitted electrons?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Thanks for the confirmation.

As I understand the photoelectric effect, one photon transfers all of its energy to an electron, so the energy absorbed by any electron must be the same (for a monochromatic beam), in this case hc/(500 nm) = 2.48 eV. Electrons need at least 2.1 eV to escape this metal, so they must have a maximum kinetic energy of 0.38 eV. Since not all of them have the same kinetic energy (due to losses) I assume they must have different wavelengths as well, how can I find the wavelength of emitted electrons?
 
You can assume that they all have 0.38 eV. If you like, use "<=" in the calculations, but that won't change much.
 
Ok, so it would be λ = \frac{hc}{\sqrt{2mc^2K}} \approx 2 nm, right?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
4K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
4K
Replies
7
Views
9K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K