Photoelectric effect: A metal having a work function of 2.4 eV is illuminated with monochromatic light whose photon energy is 4.0 eV. What is the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons produced by this light? (h = 6.626 × 10^-34 J ∙ s, 1 eV = 1.60 × 10^-19 J) A) 2.6 × 10^-19 J B) 3.8 × 10^-19 J C) 4.7 × 10^-19 J D) 5.5 × 10^-19 J E) 6.4 × 10^-19 J

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons is given by the difference between the photon energy and the work function of the metal. Since the photon energy is 4.0 eV and the work function is 2.4 eV, the maximum kinetic energy is 4.0 eV - 2.4 eV = 1.6 eV. Converting this to joules using the conversion factor 1 eV = 1.60 × 10^-19 J, we get 1.6 eV × 1.60 × 10^-19 J/eV = 2.6 × 10^-19 J.

Photoelectric Effect: a Metal Having a Work Function of 2