Photoelectric Effect Graph Analysis

00:00 10 marks

  • Exam Style - Paper 2
  • HL Only
  • Tier 3
  • Planck's constant
  • Photoelectric effect
  • Work function
  • Threshold frequency
  • Stopping voltage
  • Energy conservation in photoelectric effect (E_k_max = hf - Φ)
  • Relation between stopping voltage and max kinetic energy (eV_stop = E_k_max)
  • Linear graph analysis (gradient and intercept)
  • Experimental determination of h and Φ

In a photoelectric effect experiment, the stopping voltage \(V_{stop}\) was measured for different frequencies \(f\) of incident light. The relationship between \(V_{stop}\) and \(f\) is given by the equation:

\(V_{stop} = \frac{h}{e} f – \frac{Φ}{e}\)

where \(h\) is Planck’s constant, \(e\) is the elementary charge, and \(Φ\) is the work function of the metal surface.

The experimental data is well represented by the linear equation:

\(V_{stop} = (4.14 \times 10^{-15}) f – 1.20\)

where \(V_{stop}\) is in volts (V) and \(f\) is in hertz (Hz).

Use the elementary charge \(e = 1.60 \times 10^{-19}\) C.

Answer the following:

Part a

3 minutes 3 marks

Question

Determine the threshold frequency \(f_0\) for the metal.



Hint Hint

Hint

The threshold frequency is the frequency at which the stopping voltage is zero.

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  • Explanation Explanation
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Complete Answer

\(f_0 = 2.90 \times 10^{14}\) Hz

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Part b

3 minutes 3 marks

Question

Calculate the work function \(Φ\) of the metal in joules (J).



Hint Hint

Hint

Relate the y-intercept of the given equation to the term \(-\frac{Φ}{e}\) in the theoretical equation.

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Complete Answer

\(Φ = 1.92 \times 10^{-19}\) J

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Part c

5 minutes 4 marks

Question

Using the gradient of the graph, determine the value of Planck’s constant \(h\). Compare your calculated value with the accepted value \(h_{accepted} = 6.63 \times 10^{-34}\) J s.



Hint Hint

Hint

Relate the gradient of the given equation to the term \(\frac{h}{e}\) in the theoretical equation. Calculate h and then compare it to the accepted value.

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Complete Answer

\(h = 6.62 \times 10^{-34}\) J s. This value is very close to the accepted value.

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