A physicist wishes to produce electrons by shining light on a metal surface.The light source emits light with a wavelength of 450 nm.The table lists the only available metals and their work functions.

-Which metal(s)can be used to produce electrons by the photoelectric effect?
A)barium only
B)tungsten only
C)tungsten or tantalum
D)barium or lithium
E)lithium,tantalum,or tungsten

Question

A physicist wishes to produce electrons by shining light on a metal surface.The light source emits light with a wavelength of 450 nm.The table lists the only available metals and their work functions.
 
-Which metal(s)can be used to produce electrons by the photoelectric effect?
A)barium only 
B)tungsten only 
C)tungsten or tantalum 
D)barium or lithium 
E)lithium,tantalum,or tungsten

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Barium and lithium can be used to produce electrons by the photoelectric effect because they have relatively low work functions, making it easier for photons to eject electrons.

A Physicist Wishes to Produce Electrons by Shining Light on a Metal