Physic Labs

Problem 3

Light of frequency ff illuminates a metal with work function ϕ\phi. Find the maximum photoelectron kinetic energy and stopping potential; use Planck constant hh and electron charge magnitude ee. Each photon carries energy hfhf; electrons are emitted only when the light exceeds the threshold frequency. (a) Find threshold frequency f0f_0. (b) For f>f0f>f_0, find maximum kinetic energy KmaxK_{max}. (c) Find stopping potential VsV_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.
Kmax⁡=hf−ϕ,Vs=hf−ϕeK_{\max}=hf-\phi,\quad V_s=\frac{hf-\phi}{e}
problems.proof.analysis

Use the earlier results in that additional relation to obtain the last requested quantity. Checking its sign distinguishes a mathematical magnitude from a physically admissible state.