Answer to Question #138601 in Electric Circuits for Kalery

Question

When light is incident in a metal plate electrons are emitted only when the frequency of the light exceeds a certain value. How has this been explained? The maximum kinetic energy of the electrons emitted from a metallic surface is 1.6 x 10^-19J when the frequency of the incident radiation is 7.5 x 10^14Hz. Calculate the minimum frequency of radiation for which electrons will be emitted.

Answer 1

Minimum frequency of emitted electron will be contributed by difference of maximum KE and incident electron energy

,so energy for minimum frequency = incident electron energy[$hf$] - maximum KE

and Energy of incident electron = $hf = h*7.5*10^{14} = 4.97*10^{-19} joule.$

So minimum energy available for minimum frequency = $(4.97-1.6)*10^{-19} = 3.37*10^{-19} joule$

Hence minimum frequency = $(3.37*10^{-19})/h = 0.508*10^{15} = [5.1*10^{14} Hz Answer]$