Ultraviolet light is shone on a piece of metal that has a known work function,and electrons are observed being produced through the interaction of the light with the metal.The lamp that produces the light is now replaced with a lamp of the same intensity,but which produces photons having a shorter wavelength.Which of the below differences is observed?
A) Fewer electrons per unit time are produced.
B) More electrons per unit time are produced.
C) Nothing changes at all.
D) Electrons with a higher maximum energy are observed.
E) Electrons with lower maximum energy are observed.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Shorter wavelength means higher frequency and higher energy photons. Since the energy of a photon is proportional to its frequency, the replacement of the lamp with a shorter wavelength will produce photons with higher energy. This will result in the production of electrons with higher maximum energy (as per Einstein's photoelectric equation, E = hf - φ), which is option D. Therefore, the correct choice is D.

Ultraviolet Light Is Shone on a Piece of Metal That