$A$ mercury lamp is a convenient source for studying the frequency dependence of photoelectric emission,as it provides a number of spectral lines ranging from the $UV$ to the red end of the visible spectrum. In our experiment with a rubidium photocell,the following lines from a mercury source were used:
$\lambda_1 = 3650 \,\mathring{A}, \lambda_2 = 4047 \,\mathring{A}, \lambda_3 = 4358 \,\mathring{A}, \lambda_4 = 5461 \,\mathring{A}, \lambda_5 = 6907 \,\mathring{A}$
The stopping voltages,respectively,were measured to be:
$V_{01} = 1.28 \,V, V_{02} = 0.95 \,V, V_{03} = 0.74 \,V, V_{04} = 0.16 \,V, V_{05} = 0 \,V$
Determine the value of Planck's constant $h$,the threshold frequency,and the work function for the material.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) Einstein's photoelectric equation is given by:
$e V_0 = h \nu - \phi_0$
$V_0 = \frac{h}{e} \nu - \frac{\phi_0}{e} \dots (i)$
Where $V_0$ is the stopping potential,$h$ is Planck's constant,$e$ is the charge of an electron,$\nu$ is the frequency of radiation,and $\phi_0$ is the work function.
Using $\nu = \frac{c}{\lambda}$ (where $c = 3 \times 10^8 \,m/s$),we calculate the frequencies:
$\nu_1 = 8.219 \times 10^{14} \,Hz, \nu_2 = 7.412 \times 10^{14} \,Hz, \nu_3 = 6.884 \times 10^{14} \,Hz, \nu_4 = 5.493 \times 10^{14} \,Hz, \nu_5 = 4.343 \times 10^{14} \,Hz$
Frequency $(\times 10^{14} \,Hz)$$8.219$$7.412$$6.884$$5.493$$4.343$
Stopping potential $V_0$ $(V)$$1.28$$0.95$$0.74$$0.16$$0$

The graph of $V_0$ versus $\nu$ is a straight line. The threshold frequency $\nu_0$ is the intercept on the $\nu$-axis,which is $5 \times 10^{14} \,Hz$.
The slope of the line is $\frac{h}{e} = \frac{1.28 - 0.16}{(8.219 - 5.493) \times 10^{14}} = \frac{1.12}{2.726 \times 10^{14}} \approx 4.108 \times 10^{-15} \,V \cdot s$.
$h = (4.108 \times 10^{-15}) \times (1.6 \times 10^{-19}) \approx 6.573 \times 10^{-34} \,J \cdot s$.
Work function $\phi_0 = h \nu_0 = (6.573 \times 10^{-34}) \times (5 \times 10^{14}) = 3.286 \times 10^{-19} \,J = 2.054 \,eV$.

Explore More

Similar Questions

The photoelectric cut-off voltage in a certain experiment is $1.5 \; V$. What is the maximum kinetic energy of photoelectrons emitted?

The work function of a metal is $1.6 \times 10^{-19} \, J$. When the metal surface is illuminated by light of wavelength $6400 \, \mathring{A}$,the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted photo-electrons will be. (Planck's constant $h = 6.4 \times 10^{-34} \, Js$)

When radiation is incident on a photoelectron emitter,the stopping potential is found to be $9 \ V$. If $e/m$ for the electron is $1.8 \times 10^{11} \ C \ kg^{-1}$,the maximum velocity of the ejected electrons is:

$A$ monochromatic point source of light is placed at a distance $d$ from a metal surface. Photoelectrons are ejected at a rate $n$ per second,and with maximum kinetic energy $E$. If the source is brought nearer to a distance $d / 2$,the rate and the maximum kinetic energy per photoelectron become nearly

$A$ certain metallic surface is illuminated by monochromatic radiation of wavelength $\lambda$. The stopping potential for photoelectric current for this radiation is $3V_{0}$. If the same surface is illuminated with a radiation of wavelength $2\lambda$,the stopping potential is $V_{0}$. The threshold wavelength of this surface for the photoelectric effect is $n\lambda$. Find the value of $n$.

Difficult
View Solution

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo