Question

A sample of silver (with work function Φ=4.52 eV ) is exposed to an ultraviolet light source (????=200 nm), which results in the ejection of photoelectrons. What changes will be observed if:
1. The silver is replaced with copper (Φ= 5.10 eV)?

a. more energetic photoelectrons (on average)
b. no photoelectrons are emitted more photoelectrons ejected
c. less energetic photoelectrons (on average)
d. fewer photoelectrons ejected

2. A second (identical) light source also shines on the metal?

a. fewer photoelectrons ejected
b. no photoelectrons are emitted more
c. energetic photoelectrons (on average)
d. less energetic photoelectrons (on average)
e. more photoelectrons ejected


3. The ultraviolet source is replaced with an X-ray source that emits the same number of photons per unit time as the original ultraviolet source?

a. no photoelectrons are emitted
b. less energetic photoelectrons (on average)
c. fewer photoelectrons ejected
d. more energetic photoelectrons (on average)
e. more photoelectrons ejected

Answer 1

Answer:

1. c

2. e

3. d

Explanation:

1.

From Einstein's Photoelectric Equation, we know that:

Energy given up by photon = Work Function + K.E of Electron

hc/λ = φ + K.E

where,

h = Plank's Constant = 6.626 x 10⁻³⁴ J.s

c = speed of light = 3 x 10⁸ m/s

λ = wavelength of light source = 200 nm = 2 x 10⁻⁷ m

φ = (5.1 eV)(1.6 x 10⁻¹⁹ J/eV) = 8.16 x 10⁻¹⁹ J

Therefore,

(6.626 x 10⁻³⁴ J.s)(3 x 10⁸ m/s)/(2 x 10⁻⁷ m) - 8.16 x 10⁻¹⁹ = K.E

K.E = (9.939 - 8.16) x 10⁻¹⁹ J

K.E = 1.778 x 10⁻¹⁹ J

The positive answer shows that electrons will be emitted. Since it is clear from the equation the the K.E of electron decreases with the increase in work function. Therefore:

c. less energetic photo-electrons (on average)

2.

The increase in light sources means an increase in the intensity of light. The no. of photons are increased, due to increase of intensity. Thus, more photons hit the metal and they eject greater no. of electrons. Therefore,

e. more photo-electrons ejected

3.

X-rays have smaller wavelength and greater energy than ultraviolet rays. Thus, the photons with greater energy will strike the metal and as a result, electrons with higher energy will be ejected.

d. more energetic photo-electrons (on average)