Try it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
A photocell has a cathode with a threshold wavelength of nm. Ultraviolet light of wavelength nm falls on it. Use eV nm, C and kg. Find (a) the work function, (b) the largest kinetic energy of the electrons, (c) the stopping potential and (d) the speed of the fastest electrons.
A photon has energy , with eV nm. Einstein's equation is . So , a straight line of slope V s. A beam of power sends photons each second.
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Given. nm, nm, eV nm.
Step 1. The work function. .
Step 2. The photon energy. .
Step 3. The largest kinetic energy. .
Step 4. The stopping potential. , so V.
Step 5. The speed. . We want , so .
Answer: eV; eV; V; m/s.
Check. The speed is about a thousandth of the speed of light, so the formula is fine.
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