Math Problem Statement

The work function of a metal is ϕ eV. If λ nm UV light is incident on the photocathode, what is the stopping voltage of the photoelectrons in volts?

Solution

The stopping voltage (VstopV_{\text{stop}}) of the photoelectrons can be found using the photoelectric equation:

Ekin=EphotonϕE_{\text{kin}} = E_{\text{photon}} - \phi

where:

  • EkinE_{\text{kin}} is the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons,
  • EphotonE_{\text{photon}} is the energy of the incident photon,
  • ϕ\phi is the work function of the metal (in eV).

Since the stopping voltage corresponds to the kinetic energy of the electrons, we have:

eVstop=EkineV_{\text{stop}} = E_{\text{kin}}

Thus, the stopping voltage is:

Vstop=EphotonϕeV_{\text{stop}} = \frac{E_{\text{photon}} - \phi}{e}

Now, let's break this down further:

1. Energy of the photon EphotonE_{\text{photon}}

The energy of the photon can be calculated using the wavelength of the incident UV light (λ\lambda) and Planck's equation:

Ephoton=hcλE_{\text{photon}} = \frac{hc}{\lambda}

where:

  • h=6.626×1034J\cdotpsh = 6.626 \times 10^{-34} \, \text{J·s} is Planck's constant,
  • c=3.0×108m/sc = 3.0 \times 10^8 \, \text{m/s} is the speed of light,
  • λ\lambda is the wavelength in meters.

To convert this energy to electronvolts (eV), we use the relation 1eV=1.602×1019J1 \, \text{eV} = 1.602 \times 10^{-19} \, \text{J}. Thus:

Ephoton=1240eV\cdotpnmλE_{\text{photon}} = \frac{1240 \, \text{eV·nm}}{\lambda}

2. Stopping voltage formula

Substituting EphotonE_{\text{photon}} into the formula for the stopping voltage:

Vstop=1240λϕeV_{\text{stop}} = \frac{\frac{1240}{\lambda} - \phi}{e}

Since ϕ\phi is already in eV and e=1eVe = 1 \, \text{eV}, the equation simplifies to:

Vstop=1240λϕV_{\text{stop}} = \frac{1240}{\lambda} - \phi

Conclusion

The stopping voltage VstopV_{\text{stop}} in volts is given by:

Vstop=1240λϕV_{\text{stop}} = \frac{1240}{\lambda} - \phi

where:

  • λ\lambda is the wavelength of the UV light in nm,
  • ϕ\phi is the work function of the metal in eV.

Would you like to go into more detail, or clarify any part of the solution?


Here are 5 related questions you might find interesting:

  1. How does increasing the wavelength affect the stopping voltage?
  2. What is the effect of increasing the work function ϕ\phi on the photoelectric effect?
  3. Can the stopping voltage ever be negative? If yes, under what circumstances?
  4. How is the photoelectric effect explained in quantum mechanics?
  5. What happens if the photon energy is less than the work function?

Tip: The photoelectric effect provides direct evidence for the particle nature of light, confirming that light energy is quantized into photons.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Photoelectric Effect
Photon Energy
Work Function
Kinetic Energy

Formulas

V_stop = (1240 / λ) - ϕ
E_photon = 1240 / λ
E_kin = E_photon - ϕ

Theorems

Photoelectric Equation

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate Physics