Asked in ETEA MDCAT 2012 2012Moderate

The maximum kinetic energy of an electron ejected from a metal by a photon depends on:

Correct answer: B. The metal work function and photon's frequency

  • A. The photon's frequency only
  • B. The metal work function and photon's frequency
  • C. The intensity of incident light
  • D. None of the above

Explanation

The maximum kinetic energy of an electron ejected from a metal by a photon is calculated using the equation K_max = hf - φ, where h is Planck's constant, f is the frequency of the photon, and φ is the work function of the metal. This equation indicates that the kinetic energy depends on both the photon's frequency and the metal's work function. The intensity of the light affects the number of electrons emitted, not their kinetic energy. Therefore, Option B is correct because it considers both the frequency of the photon and the metal's work function, while the other options do not account for all necessary factors.

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About Photons and the Particle Model of Light

The particle model treats light as photons with energy E equals hf and momentum related to wavelength. Questions involve the photoelectric effect, work function, threshold frequency, stopping potential and photon energy, while distinguishing particle behaviour from the wave description of interference and diffraction.

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