What is the relationship between stopping potential and the intensity of light?

In summary, the intensity of light does not directly affect the stopping potential, as shown by the photoelectric effect. However, the intensity of light can indirectly impact the stopping potential through its effect on the work function. This is because the stopping potential is dependent on the work function, which can be affected by the intensity of light. Additionally, the high intensity of light can increase the probability of multiple photons hitting the same electron, causing it to detach and affect the stopping potential.
  • #1
tnecniv
16
0
The higher the intensity of the light we will get a higher stopping potential.
Why is that so? is there any theory and formula to justifiy this behavior?

How is wavelength affecting the intensity of light?

Please advise.

Thank You
 
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  • #2
Are you sure a higher intensity of light leads to a higher stopping potential? That is contrary to the photoelectric effect!
The wavelength and intensity of light are independent properties.
 
  • #3
Fightfish said:
Are you sure a higher intensity of light leads to a higher stopping potential? That is contrary to the photoelectric effect!
The wavelength and intensity of light are independent properties.

Well, theoretically it doesn't. I just did and experiment on this my result shows that when the intensity of light reduces, the stopping potential, albeilt slightly, reduces as well. Possibly because

stopping potential, eVo = KEmax = hf - Wo

and since Wo is dependant on the intensity of light, this will in turn affect our stopping potential. I might be wrong so...yeah..
 
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  • #4
Sorry to wake up the dead.
Stumbled upon this and it looked interesting.

When an electron is hit by a photon which has an energy below the work function, the electron is excited for a short period of time before returning to the initial state. So if the intensity of light is high it is possible for 2 or more photons to hit the same electron (albeit under very low probability) within this very short period of time, thus causing it to detach.

I think this may be a possible explanation.

*edit* Just to clarify, intensity of light is the amount of photons.
 
  • #5


The relationship between stopping potential and the intensity of light is governed by the photoelectric effect, which is a phenomenon where electrons are ejected from a metal surface when it is exposed to light of a certain frequency. The stopping potential refers to the minimum voltage needed to stop the flow of these ejected electrons.

According to the photoelectric effect, the number of electrons ejected from the metal surface is directly proportional to the intensity of the incident light. This means that the higher the intensity of light, the more electrons will be ejected from the metal surface.

As for the theory and formula to justify this behavior, the photoelectric effect is explained by Einstein's equation, which states that the energy of a photon (light particle) is directly proportional to its frequency. This means that higher frequency (or shorter wavelength) light has higher energy, and therefore, can eject more electrons from the metal surface.

In terms of the relationship between wavelength and intensity of light, it is important to note that the intensity of light is not affected by the wavelength itself, but rather by the energy of the individual photons. However, the wavelength does play a role in determining the energy of the photons, as mentioned in Einstein's equation. Therefore, shorter wavelength light (such as ultraviolet) will have higher energy and intensity compared to longer wavelength light (such as infrared).

I hope this helps to clarify the relationship between stopping potential and the intensity of light. If you have any further questions, please let me know.
 

What is stopping potential?

Stopping potential is the minimum potential difference required to stop the emission of electrons from a metal surface in a photoelectric effect experiment. It is a measure of the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons.

How is stopping potential related to the intensity of light?

Stopping potential is directly proportional to the intensity of light. This means that as the intensity of light increases, the stopping potential also increases. This can be explained by the fact that higher intensity light carries more energy, which results in the emission of higher energy electrons that require a higher stopping potential to be stopped.

What is the effect of changing the frequency of light on stopping potential?

Changing the frequency of light does not affect the stopping potential. The stopping potential is dependent on the energy of the incident photons, which is determined by the frequency of light. However, increasing the frequency of light will result in the emission of higher energy electrons, which will require a higher stopping potential to be stopped.

Can stopping potential be affected by the type of metal used?

Yes, the type of metal used can affect the stopping potential. Different metals have different work functions, which is the minimum energy required to remove an electron from the surface of the metal. This work function can affect the minimum potential difference required to stop the emission of electrons, resulting in different stopping potentials for different metals.

Is there a limit to how high the stopping potential can be?

Yes, there is a limit to how high the stopping potential can be. This limit is known as the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons, which is determined by the energy of the incident photons. Once this maximum kinetic energy is reached, increasing the stopping potential will not result in the emission of higher energy electrons.

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