Innova Junior College

JC2 Physics 2012

Tutorial 18 Quantum Physics (Part I)

Photoelectric Effect

1 J99/I/28
In a photoelectric emission experiment using light of a certain frequency, the maximum
kinetic energy Ek of the emitted photoelectrons is measured.

Which graph represents the way in which Ek depends on the intensity I of the light?
Explain your choice.

Solution: (C)
The kinetic energy of the eletrons is dependent on the energy of each photon (hf) and the
work function energy of the metal (Φ) based on the equation:
KEmax = hf − Φ
Changing the intensity of the same light (same frequency) only changes the rate of photon
arrival.

2 J85/I/27
Which one of the following statements, referring to photo-electric emission, is always
true? For those untrue statements, explain why they are untrue.

A No emission of electrons occurs for very low intensity illumination.

B For a given metal there is a minimum frequency of radiation below which no emission
occurs
C The number of electrons emitted per second is independent of the intensity of the
incident radiation
D The number of electrons emitted per second is proportional to the frequency of the
incident radiation.

Solution: (C)
A – untrue. Emission occurs for frequencies above the threshold frequency, no matter
how low the intensity. OR no emission of electrons occurs for very low frequency
illumination.
B – true
C – untrue. The number of electrons emitted per second (ne) is directly porportional to the
rate of photon arrival which is also proportional to the intensity of radiation. Hence it
should be “dehpendent” rather than “independent”.
D – untrue. The number of electrons emitted per second is proportional to the “intensity”
of the radiation.

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3 A student connects a photocell to a supply and finds that when the cell is exposed to
monochromatic radiation a current flows only when the potential difference across the
cell is less than 1.2 V. What is the maximum energy of the emitted electrons?

Solution:
First of all, taken note that the potential difference in this case refers to repelling potential
or negative potential in our notes. When the potential difference here is less than 1.6V, it
means less negative than 1.6 V. So 1.6 V is the stopping potential.
KEmax = eVs = 1.6 x 10-19 x 1.2 = 1.2 eV or 1.92 x 10-19 J.

4 J92/I/30
An ultraviolet radiation source causes the emission of photoelectrons from a zinc plate.

Explain how the maximum kinetic energy Ek of the photoelectrons and the number of
photoelectrons emitted per second n would be affected by substituting a more intense
source of the same wavelength?

Solution:
A more intense source of the same wavelength meant that:
- The energy of each photon (E = hc/λ) is still the same
- Rate of photon arrival np is larger. i.e. more photons of the same energy each are
incident on the metal surface.
The maximum kinetic energy of the eletrons is dependent on the energy of each photon
(hf) and the work function energy of the metal (Φ) based on the equation:
KEmax = hf − Φ
Changing the intensity of the same light (same frequency) only changes the rate of photon
arrival but each photon still carries the same amount of energy.

The number of photoelectrons emitted per second (rate of electron emission) is directly
proportional to the rate of arrival of photons, which is in turrn proportional to the intensity
of the light source. Hence a more intense light source will cause more photoelectrons to
be emitted per second.

Learning outcome (e) and (h)

5 H1 N07/I/28
When electromagnetic radiation of frequency f irradiates a metal surface, electrons are
emitted and the measured stopping potential is Vs. The frequency of the incident
radiation is doubled to 2f. What changes occurs in the stopping potential? [2]
A The stopping potential increases to more than 2Vs.
B The stopping potential increases to 2Vs.
C The stopping potential increases to less than 2Vs.
D The stopping potential remains at Vs.

Suggested Solution Comments

Ephoton = φ + ½mvmax 2 Nil
Since ½ mvmax2 = eVs
eVs = hf - φ
When f = f, eVs = hf - φ … (1)
When f = 2f, eVs’ = h×2f - φ … (2)
(2) – 2 x (1): e V’s = φ + 2 e Vs
V’s = 2Vs + φ/e
V’s > 2Vs Ans: A

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Learning outcome (c), (d), (f) and (h)
6 N2000/III/6(part)
(a) (i) Describe the photoelectric effect. [3]
Suggested Solution Comments
• Photoelectric effect refers to the emission of electrons from The photoelectric effect was well
a metal when electromagnetic radiation is incident on its described, though a common error
surface. was to suppose that it only occurred
• Photoemission of electrons occurs only when the radiation with photons of a specific frequency,
is above a minimum frequency called the threshold rather than above a minimum
frequency. Below this value, regardless of the intensity of
frequency. Although many features
the radiation, no photoelectrons are emitted.
of the early expt were quoted, there
• Above the threshold frequency, the rate of photoelectrons
emitted is directly proportional to the intensity of was seldom a logical argument to
illumination. show how these factors suggested
• Increasing the frequency of radiation increases the that light consisted of quanta rather
maximum KE of the photoelectrons. The maximum KE of than continuous waves.
the photoelectrons does not depend on the intensity of
illumination.
Any 3 of the above statement inclusive of the first. [3]

(ii) Explain how the photoelectric effect provides evidence for a particulate nature of
electromagnetic radiation. [4]
Suggested Solution Comments
To explain the observation of the photoelectric effect, the Although many features of the early
electromagnetic radiation is modeled to be streams of energy expt. were quoted, there was seldom
packets, i.e. photons of energy E = hf. Each photon behaves a logical argument to show how these
like particle when interacting with the metal (matter). factors suggested that light
consisted of quanta rather than
When the photon collides with an electron in the metal, it can
only liberate the electron if the frequency of the electromagnetic continuous waves.
radiation must be at least equal to the threshold frequency of
the metal such that the photon energy is at least sufficient to
cater to the work function energy required to liberate the
photoelectrons.

In addition, an increase in frequency of the electromagnetic

radiation above the threshold frequency increases the amount
of energy available to be transferred over to the photoelectrons.
Hence the increase in frequency of radiation increases the
maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons.

The absorption of photon happens when the photon is

absorbed by the electron. Hence there is negligible time lag
between the incidence of the radiation and the emission of
photoelectrons, regardless of the intensity of the radiation. This
suggests that it is a particle-particle interaction where the
photoelectron is emitted almost instantaneous.

An increase in the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation

increases the number of photons per unit time hitting onto the
metal, rather than photon energy. Thus the liberation and the
maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons is independent
of the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation.

Thus this suggests that it must be a particle-particle interaction

rather than a wave-particle interaction and that the emission of
photoelectrons and the max KE of the photoelectrons are
dependent on frequency of the photons, rather than intensity of
the light.

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Learning outcome (b), (e) and (h)
7 J95/II/7
In order to investigate the photoelectric effect, a student set up the apparatus illustrated
below.
µA

electrode

radiation V

metal

The wavelength of the radiation incident on the metal surface was varied. For two values
of wavelength, the stopping voltage Vs required just to prevent electrons reaching the
electrode was measured.
The results are shown in figure below.

Vs / V

1.00

0.75

0.50

0.25

0
350 400 450 500 550 λ / nm
(a) What is the maximum kinetic energy of a photoelectron emitted from the metal
surface by radiation of wavelength 380 nm? [3]

Suggested Solution Comments

Max KE = e Vs Surprisingly large number of
= 1.60 × 10-19 × 1.00 candidate mis-read the horizontal
-19
= 1.60 × 10 J scale on the figure. The most
common misconceptions were relating
hc
maximum KE to or to mc2.
λ

(b) Calculate the energy of a photon of wavelength 380 nm. [2]

Suggested Solution Comments

6.63 × 10-34 × 3.0 × 108
hc Quite well-answered, requiring no
Energy of photon EP = =
λ 380 × 10-9 knowledge of photoelectric effect. A
-19
= 5.23 × 10 J significant minority gave identical
calculation for (a) and (b).

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 (c) Using your answers to (a) and (b), calculate
(i) the work function energy of the metal surface, [1]

Suggested Solution Comments

EP = Φ + KEelectron Poor explanation and negative signs
-19 -19
5.23 × 10 = φ + 1.60 × 10 due to wrong subtraction
-19
φ = 3.63 × 10 J disappeared without any reason.
Unqualified symbols were used where
candidates had no numerical answers
to use in the equation.

(ii) the threshold wavelength [2]

Suggested Solution Comments

hc Most were able to calculate the
Φ = hfo =
λo threshold wavelength or not having
read the question carefully, the
6.63 × 10 -34 × 3.0 × 108
3.63 × 10-19 = threshold frequency.
λo
λ0 = 5.47 × 10-7 m

(d) Suggest why it is not possible to deduce the threshold wavelength of this metal
surface directly from the figure above. [2]

Suggested Solution Comments

EP = Φ + KEelectron Very few answers included a
hf = Φ + eVs statement that the graph would not
eVs = hf - Φ be linear, even from candidates who
had correctly used the relevant
hc Φ
Vs = - formulae in earlier parts of the
eλ e question. The usual wrong answer was
hc  1  Φ based on a statement that two points
Vs = -
e  λ  e on a graph are insufficient for a
Plotting Vs and λ will not result in a linear function [1]. Hence, it straight line to be drawn with
is not possible to draw the best-fit curve based on just two confidence.
points given such that it cuts the x-axis to find threshold
wavelength where stopping potential is zero [1].

Learning outcome (f) and (g)

8 J83/I/16
In a photoelectric emission experiment, ultra-violet radiation of wavelength 254 nm and
of power per unit area 210 W m -2, was incident on a silver surface in an evacuated tube,
so that an area of 12 mm2 was illuminated. A photocurrent of 4.8 × 10-10 A was recorded.
(a) What was the rate of incidence of photons on the silver surface? [2]

Suggested Solution Comments

Power Nil
Intensity =
area
rate of radiation energy absorbed
Intensity =
area
N ( hf ) 1
Intensity =
t A
Rate of incidence of photons,

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N IAλ
=
t hc
210 × 12 × 10−6 × 254 × 10−9
=
6.63 × 10−34 × 3.00 × 108
15 -1
= 3.2 × 10 s

(b) What was the rate of emission of electrons? [2]

Suggested Solution Comments

Q Ne Nil
Current = I = = e
t t

Rate of emission of electrons

Ne I 4.8 × 10−10
= =
t e 1.6 × 10−19
= 3.0 × 109 s-1
(c) The photoelectric quantum yield is defined as the ration
no. of photoelectrons emitted per sec
no. of photons incident per sec
(i) Find the quantum yield of this silver surface at the wavelength of 254 nm. [1]
(ii) Give two reasons why this value might be expected to be much less than one. [2]

Suggested Solution Comments

(i) Quantum yield Nil
part (b) 3.0 × 109
= = = 9.4 × 10 −7
part (a) 3.2 × 1015

(ii) 1. Some of the photons were reflected away at the

surface.
2. Some photons, despite transferring all their energy to
the electrons on collision, were not successful in
liberating the electrons from the metal surface as the
electrons were embedded too deep within the metal.
The energy is lost as heat.

(d) When the experiment was repeated with ultra-violet radiation of wavelength 313 nm,
no photoelectrons were emitted. Explain this observation. [2]

Suggested Solution Comments

Having a wavelength of 313 nm, the photons of the UV Nil
radiation will be having energy that is lower than that of 254 nm
(E = hc/λ). This photon energy may not be sufficient for the
work function energy required to emit electrons from the metal.

Learning outcome (b) and (f)

9 N07/I/36
The diagram shows a circuit used for photo-electric emission experiments.

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 The two electrodes E and F are made of different metals. The work function of electrode
E is φE and the work function of electrode F is φF.
Current-voltage (I-V) characteristics are obtained when both electrodes are illuminated
with monochromatic light. When the wavelength of the light is λ1 the I-V characteristics is
as shown.

When the wavelength of the light is λ2 the I-V characteristics is as shown.

Which line of the table relates the magnitudes of the wavelengths and the magnitudes of
the work functions? [2]
wavelength Work function
A λ1 is less than λ2 φE is less than φF
B λ1 is less than λ2 φE is greater than φF
C λ1 is greater than λ2 φE is less than φF
D λ1 is greater than λ2 φE is greater than φF

Suggested Solution Comments

The radiation falls on both electrodes E and F at the same time, Nil
allowing photoelectrons to be emitted from both plates as slong
as the frequency of the light is more than the threshold
frequency of the plate.

Looking at the graph for λ1, photoemission took place only for
surface F as the photoelectrons flow from surface F to surface
E (since there is a current when E is positive).

The magnitude of work function for metal E must be greater
than that for metal F.

However when wavelength λ2 is used, the graph for λ2 indicates

photoemission took place for both surfaces E and F.

The light of wavelength λ2 must have more energy than that
hc
of λ1. Thus wavelength λ1 must be longer than λ2 ( E = ).
λ
Ans : D

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Wave-
Wave-Particle Duality

Learning outcome (i) and (j)

10 N2000/III/6 (part)
(a) Electromagnetic waves have a wave nature as well as a particulate nature. This is
known as wave-particle duality. Describe a situation in which particles can be shown
to have a wave nature. [3]

Suggested Solution Comments

In an electron diffraction experiment. a beam of fast moving
electrons passes through a thin carbon film. This creates an
interference pattern of circular concentric rings to be viewed on
the screen.
This shows that electrons have wave properties.
The electron diffraction experiment
was required for part (a). There were
many fake answers involving double
slits, diffraction gratings and the
like.

(b) Calculate the wavelength of a particle of mass 1.82 ×10-28 kg when travelling with
speed equal to 10% of the speed of light. [3]

Suggested Solution Comments

h Mostly well done though there was
p=
λ some confusion between c, the
h 6.63 × 10 −34 velocity of light and v, the velocity of
λ= = the electron in the earlier part.
p 1.82 × 10 −28 × 0.10 × 3.0 × 108
-13
= 1.21×10 m

Learning outcome (j)

11 N82/II/33
What is the de Broglie wavelength of a particle of mass m and kinetic energy E? [1]
[ h is the Planck constant. ]
2mE h h 2
A h 2mE B C D
h 2mE mE

Suggested Solution Comments

E = ½ mv2 Nil
1 m 2v 2 1 p 2
= =
2 m 2m
p = 2mE
h h
λ= = Ans : C
p 2mE

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Learning outcome (i) and (j)
12 N08/I/35
Electrons with velocity v travel through a vacuum and are incident on a thin carbon film
as shown. The electrons produce a pattern of concentric circles on the fluorescent
screen.

What causes the pattern and which change to the pattern occur when the velocity v is
increased? [1]

cause change
A diffraction diameters of circles
B diffraction increase
diameters of circles
C refraction decrease
diameters of circles
D refraction increase
diameters of circles
decrease
Suggested Solution Comments
The concentric circles are due to the effects of diffraction of the Almost all candidates realised that
electrons where the electrons will act as waves and the answer depended on electronic
superimposed into observable fringes (concentric circles) on diffraction but nearly half thought
the screen. the diameters for the circles would
h increase.
de Broglie wavelength λ =
mv
When v increases, λ decreases.
Since d sin θ = n λ, θ decreases when λ decreases. Diameters
of circles decrease. Ans: D

13 N80/II/15

Solution: (E)
Each photon has a momentum p = h/λ before hitting mirror
Each photon has a momentum of p = − h/λ after hitting the mirror, assuming it rebounds with
the same speed.
Each photon undergoes a change of momentum of 2h/λ.
The force exerted = rate of change of momentum
= (rate of photons) x (change in p for each photon)
= n (2h/λ)

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14 N84/I/10

Electron diffraction experiments show that the wavelength associated with a certain electron
beam is 0.15 nm. Find the momentum of an electron in the beam. Through what potential
difference should the electrons be accelerated from rest to acquire this momentum?

Solution:
Momentum of electron = h/λ = (6.63 x 10-34) / (0.15 x 10-9) = 4.42 x 10-24 kg m s-1
Speed of electron = momentum / mass of elecron
= (4.42 x 10-24) / (9.11 x 10-31) = 4.85 x 106 m s-1
When accelerated by an electrical potential difference:
Gain in KE = q∆V
½ mv2 = e∆V
∆V = ½ (9.11 x 10-31)( 4.85 x 106)2 / (1.6 x 10-19) = 67 V

Line Spectra

Learning outcome (k) and (m)

15 J89/I/29 (modified)
The diagram shows the electron energy levels, referred to the ground state as zero for
five different isolated atoms.

When the atom is bombarded with electrons of energy W, state and explain the atom
that will
(a) produce radiation of the shortest wavelength. [2]
(b) produce radiation of the longest wavelength. [2]
(c) not be excited [2]

Suggested Solution Comments

When atom is bombarded with electrons of energy W, energy is Nil
transferred to the atom, exciting it to a higher energy level.

EB ED
EA
EC
smallest
largest

The wavelength of the radiation emitted depends on the energy

hc
difference between the transitions, i.e. λ = .
∆E
Thus for the shortest wavelength, the energy transition should
be the largest. Vice versa.

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Note: Only atom A, B, C and D are excited. The energy from
the electron is not sufficient to excite atom E to a higher energy
state.
When the atoms are excited, they can spontaneously emit the
radiation of any wavelength via transition down to the ground
state (either directly or through intermediate energy level).

(a) Atom B. It has the largest energy transition, and therefore,

the shortest wavelength.
(b) Atom D. It has the smallest energy transition, and therefore,
the largest wavelength.
(c) Atom E will not be excited because W is less than its first
excitation energy.

Learning outcome (m)

16 J80/II/38
The line spectrum of hydrogen includes no X-ray frequencies because [1]
A hydrogen nuclei do not contain neutrons.
B hydrogen cannot be raised to a sufficiently high temperature.
C the cut-off frequency cannot be reached.
D the ionization energy of a hydrogen atom is too low.

Suggested Solution Comments

hc Nil
hf = = ∆E
λ
hc
λ=
∆E
The largest energy transition possible for a hydrogen atom is
-18
from n=∞ to n=1 (∆E = 13.6 eV = 2.18 × 10 J). This gives rise
to the largest frequency and it is in the uv region (~1015 Hz). In
order to have an even higher frequency (~10-17 Hz), the energy
transition must be larger, which is not achievable by hydrogen
transition. Ans : D

Learning outcome (m)

17 N89/I/30, N87/I/28, N83/II/33 (modified)
Transitions between three energy levels in a particular atom, give rise to three spectral
lines of wavelengths, in order of increasing magnitude, λ1, λ 2 and λ3. Which of the
following equations correctly relates λ1, λ 2 and λ3? [2]
1 1 1 1 1 1
A = + C = −
λ1 λ2 λ3 λ1 λ2 λ3
1 1 1
B = − D λ3 = λ1 + λ 2
λ1 λ3 λ2

Suggested Solution Comments

hc Nil
hf = = ∆E
λ
hc
λ=
∆E
Since λ3 > λ2 > λ1
∆E3 > ∆E2 > ∆E1

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Thus the transitions between three energy levels should be:

Thus ∆E1 = ∆E2 + ∆E3

hc hc hc
= +
λ1 λ2 λ3
1 1 1
= + Ans : A
λ1 λ2 λ3

Learning outcome (k), (l) and (m)

18 N03/III/6 (part)
(a) Explain how the existence of electron energy levels in atoms gives rise to the line
spectra, which may be emission or absorption spectra. [4]

Suggested Solution Comments

Energy transition between any two levels will involve either the The link between the precise energy
release or emission of a photon whose energy must equals the levels and the fact that spectra are
difference in the energies of the two levels. line spectra was often missing.
Energy of a photon hf = E2 – E1

Since the electron energy levels are discrete, photons are

emitted with discrete energy values when electrons make the
transition from higher energy level to lower energy level. [1].

When these emitted photons are diffracted in a diffraction

grating, an emission line spectrum will be observed. Each line
in the emission spectrum corresponds to a specific energy
transition. [1]

On the other hand, an absorption line spectrum is obtained

when white light moving across a region of cool vapour, has
some of its photons absorbed by the gas.

The absorption of these photons takes place only when their

energies match the possible energy transitions in the gas atoms
such that the electrons can be raised to higher levels. [1]

When the atoms de-excite, the electrons revert to their lower

energy levels. The photons are then re-radiated but in all
directions. The intensity of the photons travelling in the same
direction as before is reduced, thus giving rise to the apparent
dark lines against a continuous spectrum. [1]

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 (b) Some of the energy levels in atomic hydrogen are shown below.

- - 13.6 eV
1
(i) Calculate the minimum wavelength of the radiation that could be emitted from
atomic hydrogen. State the region of the electromagnetic spectrum in which this
radiation occurs. [5]

Suggested Solution Comments

For minimum wavelength to be emitted, the hydrogen atom Usually well done, although some
must make the largest energy transition between the energy candidates lost up to 2 marks by not
levels, i.e. from E = 0 J to ground state., using 13.6 eV as the energy
Maximum energy transition difference for the minimum
= Ionisation energy = 13.6 eV [1]
wavelength
Ephoton = ∆E
hc
hf = = ∆E
λ
hc
λ=
∆E
6.63 × 10−34 × 3.0 × 108
= [2]
13.6 × 1.6 × 10−19
= 9.14×10-8 m [1]
It is in the uv region. [1]

(ii) Sketch the pattern of the visible line emission spectrum of hydrogen. This takes
place when electrons fall to the -3.40 eV level. Mark the red and violet ends of the
spectrum. [3]

Suggested Solution Examiner’s Report

In the final part, the pattern shown

violet red often had the closing up of the gaps
between lines at the red end of the
spectrum.

-13.6 eV

The larger the energy transition between energy levels, the

shorter the wavelength, thus violet radiation will be emitted
when the atom make the larger energy transition (from E = 0 to
E = - 3.40 eV).

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∆E = (- 3.40) – 0 = - 3.40 eV = - 5.44 × 10-19 J
Ephoton = ∆E (Gain in photon energy = Loss in atom’s energy)
hc
λ=
∆E
6.63 × 10−34 × 3.0 × 108
=
5.44 × 10−19
-7
= 3.66 × 10 m
violet

On the contrary, red radiation will make the smaller energy

transition (from E = - 1.51 eV to E = - 3.40 eV).
-19
∆E = (- 3.40) – (- 1.51) = 1.89 eV = 3.02 × 10 J
Ephoton = ∆E (Gain in photon energy = Loss in atom’s energy)
hc
λ=
∆E
6.63 × 10−34 × 3.0 × 108
=
3.02 × 10−19
= 6.58 × 10-7 m
red
Increasing λ

Increasing f

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