Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Photoelectric effect

Photoelectric effect — practice question

(a)[2]

By referring to the photoelectric effect, state what threshold frequency means.

(b)[2]

Light of a particular wavelength falls on a metal surface and electrons are emitted. Explain why those emitted electrons have a spread of kinetic energies below a maximum value.

(c)

The incident radiation has wavelength $\lambda$. Figure 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 using the work function energy.

(c(ii))[2]

Use your answer to part (i) to calculate 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 in Fig. 7.1, sketch the graph that shows 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: The minimum frequency of e.m. radiation/a photon needed for electrons to be emitted

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