Work function and kinetic energy

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SUMMARY

The work function for potassium is established at 2 eV. When light with a wavelength of 3.6 x 10-7 m strikes the potassium surface, the stopping potential (Vs) is calculated to be 1.43 volts. The kinetic energy (KEmax) of the fastest emitted electrons is also determined to be 1.43 eV, indicating that the stopping potential and kinetic energy are numerically equivalent in this scenario. The calculations utilize the equations KEmax = hf - Φ and qe Vs = Ephoton - qe Φ.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the photoelectric effect
  • Familiarity with the equations KEmax = hf - Φ and qe Vs = Ephoton - qe Φ
  • Knowledge of the constants: Planck's constant (h) and the charge of an electron (qe)
  • Ability to convert between joules and electronvolts (eV)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the photoelectric effect in different materials
  • Learn about the relationship between wavelength and frequency in electromagnetic radiation
  • Explore the concept of stopping potential in various experimental setups
  • Investigate the significance of work function in semiconductor physics
USEFUL FOR

Students studying quantum mechanics, physicists analyzing the photoelectric effect, and educators teaching concepts related to energy and electron emission.

Abdul.119
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Homework Statement


The work function for potassium is 2 eV. Consider light with wave length 3.6*10^-7 m hitting the potassium surface.
a) what is the stopping potential?
b) what is the kinetic energy and velocity of the fastest electrons emitted?

Homework Equations


KE_max = hf - Φ
q_e V_s = E_photon - q_e Φ
where q_e is the charge of electron, V_s is stopping potential, and Φ is work function

The Attempt at a Solution


for finding the stopping potential, V_s = (hf/q_e) - Φ

f = c/λ , from the given wavelength, I found f = 8.33*10^14
then hf = 6.6*10^-34 * f = 5.49*10^-19
then, V_s = (5.49*10^-19 / 1.6*10^-19) - 2 eV = 1.43 volts
Correct?

And as for finding the kinetic energy, I need to use the first equation, but apparently the units of Φ should not be in eV because that wouldn't make sense, how should I calculate KE_max then?
Edit: ok I converted the hf into eV, then I got the answer 1.43 eV, which is the same as the answer for a), did I do something wrong? or is it actually suppose to be the same?
 
Last edited:
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Abdul.119 said:

Homework Statement


The work function for potassium is 2 eV. Consider light with wave length 3.6*10^-7 m hitting the potassium surface.
a) what is the stopping potential?
b) what is the kinetic energy and velocity of the fastest electrons emitted?

Homework Equations


KE_max = hf - Φ
q_e V_s = E_photon - q_e Φ
where q_e is the charge of electron, V_s is stopping potential, and Φ is work function

The Attempt at a Solution


for finding the stopping potential, V_s = (hf/q_e) - Φ

f = c/λ , from the given wavelength, I found f = 8.33*10^14
then hf = 6.6*10^-34 * f = 5.49*10^-19
then, V_s = (5.49*10^-19 / 1.6*10^-19) - 2 eV = 1.43 volts
Correct?

Not quite.

Write out the units. What is the dimension of hf? In what units did you get it?
What is the dimension of the Work Function? Is it energy or potential?
 

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