Photons of red light cause a surface to emit photoelectrons with maximum kinetic energy K(red).If photons of blue light of the same intensity are now used in the experiment,which of the following statements is true about the photoelectrons emitted (if any are emitted)? A) no photoelectrons are emitted B) maximum K(blue) K(red) E) none of these choices are true

Question

Photons of red light cause a surface to emit photoelectrons with maximum kinetic energy K(red).If photons of blue light of the same intensity are now used in the experiment,which of the following statements is true about the photoelectrons emitted (if any are emitted)?
A) no photoelectrons are emitted
B) maximum K(blue) < K(red)
C) maximum K(blue) = K(red)
D) maximum K(blue) > K(red)
E) none of these choices are true

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Blue light has a higher frequency (and thus higher energy) than red light. Therefore, if photoelectrons are emitted, they will have a greater maximum kinetic energy with blue light compared to red light.

Photons of Red Light Cause a Surface to Emit Photoelectrons