Problem 3

Light of frequency

f

illuminates a metal with work function

\phi

. Find the maximum photoelectron kinetic energy and stopping potential; use Planck constant

h

and electron charge magnitude

e

. Each photon carries energy

hf

; electrons are emitted only when the light exceeds the threshold frequency. (a) Find threshold frequency

f_0

. (b) For

f>f_0

, find maximum kinetic energy

K_{max}

. (c) Find stopping potential

V_s

and state the emission condition. Express each answer in terms of the supplied parameters, using SI units for any numerical evaluation. State the assumptions used, check dimensions at each result, and compare with the governing law to catch a sign error or a missing condition.

problems.proof.stepOf

problems.proof.prevStep problems.proof.nextStep

E_\gamma=hf

problems.proof.analysis

First isolate the parts of the system linked by the stated constraint and choose the governing law; this puts the quantities under a consistent convention. The idealizations exclude interactions not included in the model.

problems.proof.pitfall. Do not omit the sign convention or the model’s physical condition; check the limiting case before accepting a solution.