Chapter 6, Problem 6.82PAE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: When a photoelectric effect experiment was carried out using a metal 'M' and light at wavelength ${\lambda }_1$, electrons were emitted with a kinetic energy of $\text{1}.6\times \text{1}{0}^{-19}\text{ J}$. The wavelength was reduced to 1/2 of its original value and the experiment was repeated (still using the same metal target). This time electrons were emitted with a kinetic energy of $\text{6}\text{.4}\times \text{1}{0}^{-19}\text{ J}$.The electron binding energy for the metal M needs to be calculated.

Concept introduction:

The photelectric effect alludes to the ejection, or emission of the electrons from the surface ofusually a metal in reply to the incident light.

In the incident light the contained energy is absorbed through electrons in the metal, providing the electrons required energy to be “bumped” out of or released from the metal’s surface.

As per the Maxwell wave theory of light,the more concentrated the incident light, the higher the energy through which the electrons should be emitted from the metal. The emitted electron’s average kinetic energy should increment with the incident light’s intensity.