Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Photoelectric effect

Photoelectric effect — practice question

(a)[2]

By using the photoelectric effect, state what the term threshold frequency means.

(b)[2]

Light of a certain wavelength is incident on a metal surface, causing electrons to be emitted. Explain why the emitted electrons have a spread of kinetic energies below one maximum value.

(c)

The incident radiation has wavelength $\lambda$. Fig. 7.1 shows how the maximum kinetic energy $E_{\text{MAX}}$ of electrons emitted from a metal surface varies with $1/\lambda$.

(c(i))[2]

Use Fig. 7.1 to determine the threshold frequency $f_0$ without referring to the work function energy.

(c(ii))[2]

Use your answer in (i) to find the work function energy $\Phi$.

(d)[2]

Caesium metal has a work function energy of $2.2 \times 10^{-19}\,\text{J}$. On the axes of Fig. 7.1, draw a graph to show how $E_{\text{MAX}}$ varies with $1/\lambda$ for caesium metal.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 10-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Lowest frequency of e.m. radiation/photon that causes electrons to be emitted

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