During the photoelectric effect,that forms the basis of photovoltaic solar cells,a beam of monochromatic light consisting of an unknown number of photons knock electrons out of a metal producing an electrical current.For this effect,which statement is always true?
A)The kinetic energy of each electron depends on the intensity of the light beam.
B)The kinetic energy of each electron depends on the number of photons in the light beam.
C)The kinetic energy of each electron depends on the wavelength of the photons in the light beam.
D)All are correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The kinetic energy of each electron depends on the energy (wavelength) of the photons in the light beam according to the equation E=hf, where E is the energy of a photon, h is Planck's constant, and f is the frequency of the electromagnetic wave. Therefore, the wavelength of the photons determines the amount of energy transferred to each electron, and thus their kinetic energy. The intensity of the light beam (i.e. the number of photons) can affect the total number of electrons ejected, but not the energy of each individual electron.

During the Photoelectric Effect,that Forms the Basis of Photovoltaic Solar