Threshold frequency and wavelength of electrons in the photoelectric effect

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the photoelectric effect, specifically focusing on determining the threshold frequency of a metal and the wavelength of emitted electrons. The original poster provides the wavelength of incident light and the work function of the metal as part of the problem context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the threshold frequency using the work function and questions the correctness of their result. They also seek guidance on finding the wavelength of emitted electrons. Other participants suggest calculating the energy of the incident photons and discuss the kinetic energy of the emitted electrons.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different aspects of the problem, including the relationship between photon energy and electron emission. Some guidance has been offered regarding assumptions about electron energy, but there is no explicit consensus on the calculations or methods to find the wavelength of emitted electrons.

Contextual Notes

There are discussions about the assumptions related to the kinetic energy of electrons and the implications of using average values in calculations. The original poster's inquiry about the wavelength of emitted electrons indicates a need for further clarification on this aspect.

Ezequiel
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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?
 
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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?
 

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