If a metal has a work function of 4 eV, what is the threshold frequency for the photoelectric effect?
Correct Answer: 6.03 x 10^14 Hz
- Step 1: Understand the work function (φ). It is given as 4 eV. This is the minimum energy needed to remove an electron from the metal.
- Step 2: Know the formula to find the threshold frequency (f). The formula is f = φ/h, where h is Planck's constant.
- Step 3: Identify Planck's constant (h). It is approximately 4.14 x 10^-15 eV·s.
- Step 4: Plug the values into the formula. Substitute φ with 4 eV and h with 4.14 x 10^-15 eV·s.
- Step 5: Calculate the threshold frequency (f). Use the formula: f = 4 eV / (4.14 x 10^-15 eV·s).
- Step 6: Perform the division to find the value of f.
- Photoelectric Effect – The phenomenon where electrons are emitted from a material when it absorbs light of sufficient frequency.
- Work Function – The minimum energy required to remove an electron from the surface of a metal.
- Threshold Frequency – The minimum frequency of light required to emit electrons from a metal surface, related to the work function.
- Planck's Constant – A fundamental constant used to relate the energy of photons to their frequency.
