Chapter 5, Problem 5.53SP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The wavelength and amplitude that will cause the smallest number of electrons to be ejected from calcium needs to be determined, if the work function is 279.8 kJ/mol and the wavelength of light is 432 nm.

Concept introduction:

Electromagnetic radiation can be defined as the waves of the electromagnetic field which can propagate through space and carries the electromagnetic radiant energy. The relation between the wavelength, energy and frequency of the electromagnetic radiations is as given below:

$\begin{array}{l}\text{E = hν = }\frac{\text{hc}}{\text{λ}}\\ \text{Here:}\\ \text{ν = frequency}\\ \text{c = speed of light }\\ \text{λ = wavelength}\\ \text{h= Planck's constant }\\ \text{E = energy}\end{array}$

In the photoelectric effect, when the radiations of certain energy fall on the metal surface, electrons are ejected with certain kinetic energy. The minimum amount of energy that is required to eject the electron from the metal surface is called work function.