If a metal has a work function of 3 eV, what is the maximum wavelength of light

Practice Questions

Q1
If a metal has a work function of 3 eV, what is the maximum wavelength of light that can cause photoemission?
  1. 400 nm
  2. 500 nm
  3. 600 nm
  4. 700 nm

Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions

If a metal has a work function of 3 eV, what is the maximum wavelength of light that can cause photoemission?
  • Step 1: Understand the work function (Φ). It is the minimum energy needed to remove an electron from the metal. In this case, Φ = 3 eV.
  • Step 2: Know the formula to find the maximum wavelength (λ) that can cause photoemission: λ = hc/Φ.
  • Step 3: Identify the constants: h (Planck's constant) = 4.1357 x 10^-15 eV·s and c (speed of light) = 3 x 10^8 m/s.
  • Step 4: Convert the constants into a usable form for our formula. We can use hc = 1240 nm·eV for convenience.
  • Step 5: Plug the values into the formula: λ = 1240 nm·eV / 3 eV.
  • Step 6: Calculate the maximum wavelength: λ = 413.33 nm.
  • Photoelectric Effect – The phenomenon where electrons are emitted from a material when it absorbs light of sufficient energy.
  • Work Function – The minimum energy required to remove an electron from the surface of a metal.
  • Wavelength and Energy Relationship – The relationship between the energy of a photon and its wavelength, given by the equation E = hc/λ.
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