Chapter 10: Quantum Physics (8 %)

Plank’s photon hypothesis/ plank’s quantum theory – Quantization of radiation

Quantization of radiation
- It states that light travels in the form of small bundles or packet of energy called
photon.
- Photon gives particle nature of light

(OR)

It states that the emission of radiation is not continuous, but takes place in the form of small
bundles or packets of definite amount of energy which are called photon.

• Photons are not deflected by magnetic or electric fields, which shows that they do not
carry any charge. That is photon is neutral.

• The rest mass of photon is zero.

Calculation of energy of Photon in eV

The energy associated to each photon is directly proportional to its frequency

𝐸∝𝑓
𝐸 = ℎ𝑓 where, h is plank’s constant (h = 6.63 𝑥 10−34 𝐽 𝑠) and
f is frequency of light

𝐸 = 6.63 𝑥 10−34 𝐽 𝑠 𝑥 1𝐻𝑧

𝐸 = 6.63 𝑥 10−34 𝐽

6.63 𝑥 10−34 𝐽
𝐸= [Since, 1 𝑒𝑉 = 1.6 𝑥 10−19 𝐽 ]
1.6 𝑥 10−19 𝐽

𝐸 = 4.14 𝑥 10−15 𝑒𝑉

✓ The smallest amount of energy a light wave of frequency ‘f ‘can have is hf (the energy of
a single photon) which is equal to 𝐸 = 6.63 𝑥 10−34 𝐽 or 𝐸 = 4.14 𝑥 10−15 𝑒𝑉

✓ If the wave has more energy (photon), its total energy must be an integral multiple of hf.
That is 𝐸 = 𝑛ℎ𝑓, where n = 1, 2, 3, … which means the number of photons cannot be in
decimal or fraction.

Example: light cannot have energy of 0.5 hf or 75.5 hf as same as students in

class cannot be 1.5 or 12. 5

✓ The energy of photon depends upon the frequency of radiation but is independent of the
intensity of radiation.

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Question 1 : Check your understanding 1
Ans: Concept: Among 8 electromagnetic waves (GX – UVI- MRL), Gamma ray has highest
frequency and long wave has lowest frequency. Long wave has longest wavelength and
Gamma ray has shortest wavelength.
Therefore, rank of radiation based on their photon energy, greatest first:
(𝑏) > (𝑎) > (𝑑) > (𝑐)

Question 2: Compare the photon energies of a radio wave emitted from a radio station and
microwave emitted from airport radar when they fall on an alkali metal.

Factors upon which energy of photon depend

𝐸 = ℎ𝑓
ℎ𝐶 𝐶
𝐸= 𝜆 [since, 𝑓 = 𝜆 , where C is speed of light and 𝜆 is wavelength of light]

1. Energy of photon is directly proportional to frequency [𝐸 ∝ 𝑓 ]

1
2. Energy of photon is inversely proportional to wavelength [𝐸 ∝ 𝜆 ]

The speed ‘C’ and wavelength ‘𝞴’ of light changes in different medium but frequency is same
for all medium.

Question 3: Find the photon energy in electron volt for unknown electromagnetic wave of
wavelength 1 m. Given h = 6.63 𝑥 10−34 𝐽 𝑠 and e = 1.6 𝑥 10−19 𝐽

Solution: Given, 𝞴 = 1 m, h = 6.63 𝑥 10−34 𝐽 𝑠 and e = 1.6 𝑥 10−19 𝐽

ℎ𝐶
we know, 𝐸 = 𝜆
6.63 𝑥 10−34 𝐽𝑆 𝑥 3 𝑥 108 𝑚/𝑠
𝐸= = 1.989 𝑥 𝑥 10−25 𝐽
1𝑚
1.989 𝑥 𝑥 10−25 𝐽
𝐸= = 1.24 𝑥 10−6 𝑒𝑉 [since, 1 𝑒𝑉 = 1.6 𝑥 10−19 𝐽 ]
1.6 𝑥 10−19 𝐽

Question 4: The photons emitted by a source of light do not at all have the same energy. Is
the source monochromatic? Give your reasoning
Ans: No. The source is not monochromatic. The photons do not have same energy because
they do not have the same frequency.
If the source is monochromatic, frequency of all photons will be same and its energy will be
also same

Photon absorption and photon emission by atoms in an objects

When light of frequency ‘f ‘is absorbed by an atom, the energy hf of one photon is transferred
from the light to the atom. In this absorption event, the photon vanishes and the atom is said
to absorb it. This is Photon absorption.

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When light of frequency ‘f ‘is emitted by an atom, the amount of energy hf is transferred
from atom to the light. In this emission event, a photon suddenly appears and the atom is
said to emit it. This is photon emission.

Photon model of electromagnetic radiation

✓ Photon model of light (electromagnetic radiation) describes the light as a collection of

particles called photons.

✓ Photon do not have rest mass.

✓ Possess energy in the form of kinetic energy.

✓ Light may travel as a wave, but as soon as it strikes an object and transfers its energy,
it behaves as particles (photons)

✓ Explain the photoelectric effect and Compton’s effect which ‘wave model’ fails to
explain.

Defect of photon model

The number of photoelectrons that is emitted from a metal surface by a beam of light does
not depend on how bright the light (intensity of radiations) but instead depend on the colour
(wavelength) of light (i.e, frequency of the radiation)

Defect of wave model

Wave model fails to explain the photoelectric effect

Question 5: Differentiate between wave model of light and photon model of light

Wave model Photon model

1. It explains the wave nature of light 1. It explains the particle nature of light

2. Light is an electromagnetic wave made 2. Light is collection of particles called

up of electric and magnetic field. photons

3. It explains interference, diffraction, 3. It explains photoelectric effect and

polarization Compton’s effect

4. Intensity of the light is directly 4. The intensity of the light is directly

proportional to the square of amplitude proportional to the number of photons
of the wave present at each instant.

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Energy and momentum of photon

According to Einstein’s mass energy relation

𝐸 = 𝑚𝑐 2 where, m is mass of photon and c is velocity of light (photon)
We know, 𝐸 = ℎ𝑓
Comparing,
𝑚𝑐 2 = ℎ𝑓
𝑚𝑐. 𝑐 = ℎ𝑓
𝑃. 𝑐 = ℎ𝑓 [Since, P = m v ]
ℎ𝑓 𝐸
𝑃= 𝐶 OR 𝑃 = 𝐶 [ since, E = hf]
OR
ℎ𝑓 𝐶
𝑃 = 𝑓𝜆 [ since, 𝑓 = 𝜆 , 𝑐 = 𝑓𝜆 ]

ℎ
𝑃= 𝜆

Summary:
hf
1. P = C
E
2. P = C
h
3. P = λ

Momentum vs wavelength of photon

Momentum of photon is inversely proportional to wavelength of photon

1 h
P∝λ [since, P = λ ]

Question 6: What is the momentum of a photon having

ℎ𝑓
a) frequency 1.5 𝑥 102 Hz [Hint: P = 𝐶 ]
ℎ
b) wavelength 332 nm? [Hint: P = ]
𝜆

Electron emission
- Emission of electrons from metal surface

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Work function (𝒘𝟎 )
- The minimum energy required by metallic surface to eject electrons is called work
function

𝑤0 = ℎ𝑓0 where 𝑓0 is threshold freqeuncy

✓ Metal which can easily emit electrons have low work function and metal which takes time
to emit electrons have high work function.

Example: Work function of platinum is 6.35 eV (highest). Whereas work function of

cesium is 2.14 eV (lowest)

✓ If the energy of photon/light is less than the work function of metal surface, no ejection of
electrons take place.

✓ Emission of electrons will take place only if the energy of the incident light is equal to or
greater than the work function of a metal.

Question 7: The work function of photons for photoelectric emission from a metal is 4.5 eV.
Find the threshold frequency? [Given h = 6.63 𝑥 10−34 𝐽𝑆]
Ans: Given, h = 6.63 𝑥 10−34 𝐽𝑆
𝑤0 = 4.5 eV = 4.5 x 1.6 𝑥 10−19 𝐽 [Since, 1 𝑒𝑉 = 1.6 𝑥 10−19 𝐽]
𝑤0 = 7.2 𝑥 10−19 𝐽
We know, 𝑤0 = ℎ𝑓0
𝑤
𝑓0 = ℎ0
7.2 𝑥 10−19 𝐽
𝑓0 = 6.63 𝑥 10−34 𝐽𝑆

𝑓0 = 1.09 𝑥 1015 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑

1
[𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒, 𝑓 = 𝑇 , unit of frequency can be per second]
𝑓0 = 1.09 𝑥 1015 𝐻𝑧

Question 8: A metal has a threshold wavelength of 6000 Å. Calculate

(i) threshold frequency
(ii) work function.

Ans: Given, threshold wavelength ( 𝜆 0 )= 6000 Å = 6000 𝑥 10−10 𝑚

𝐶 𝐶
(i) We know, 𝑓0 = 𝜆 [Since, 𝑓 = 𝜆 ]
0
3 𝑥 108 𝑚/𝑠
𝑓0 = 6000 𝑥 10−10 𝑚 = 0.5 𝑥 1015 𝐻𝑧

(ii) We know, 𝑤0 = ℎ𝑓0

𝑤0 = 6.63 𝑥 10−34 𝐽𝑆 𝑥 0.5 𝑥 1015 𝐻𝑧 = 3.31 𝑥 10−19 𝐽

3.31 𝑥 10−19 𝐽
𝑤0 = [Since, 1 𝑒𝑉 = 1.6 𝑥 10−19 𝐽 ]
1.6 𝑥 10−19 𝐽

𝑤0 = 2.07 𝑒𝑉

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Question 9: The work function for a certain metal is 4.2 eV. Will this metal give
photoelectric emission for incident radiation of 330 nm?
Ans: Given, 𝞴 = 330 nm = 330 𝑥 10−9 𝑚
ℎ𝐶
𝐸= 𝜆
6.63 𝑥 10−34 𝐽𝑆 𝑥 3 𝑥 108 𝑚/𝑠
𝐸= = 0.0603 𝑥 10−17 𝐽
330 𝑥 10−9 𝑚
0.0603 𝑥 10−17 𝐽
𝐸= = 3.767 𝑒𝑉
1.6 𝑥 10−19

No, because the energy of the incident radiation is less than the work function of the metal.

Question 10: Light is allowed to fall on the surface of silver metal having work function 4.73
eV. Calculate the minimum frequency and maximum wavelength of the incident light to eject
from the silver surface.
𝐶
Ans: [hint: to calculate f, same as Question 7. To calculate maximum wavelength λ0 = 𝑓 ]

Question 11: work function of aluminum is 4.2 eV. If two photons of each 2.5 eV are
incident on its surface, will the emissions of electrons possible?
Ans: Yes, since the total energy (5.0 eV) of the incident photons is greater than the work
function of the aluminum.

Question 12: the work function of lithium is 2.3 eV. What does it mean? What is the relation
between the work function and threshold wavelength of a metal?

Question 13: It is difficult to eject photoelectrons from Zinc than from sodium. Which has
higher work function? Explain.

Types of emission of electrons

1. Thermionic emission: Ejection of electron from surface of metal on heating

2. Field emission: Ejection of electron from surface of metal by applying very strong
electric field.
3. Photoelectric emission: Ejection of electron when light of suitable frequency
illuminates a metal surface

Photo-electric effect
- Phenomenon of emission of electrons from a metal surface when radiation (light) of
suitable frequency /wavelength falls on it.

Example:
Sodium, lithium and potassium shows photoelectric effect with visible light whereas
Zinc, magnesium and cadmium show photoelectric effect with ultraviolet light.

- To eject electron, light of higher frequency (shorter wavelength) is incident on the

surface of metal.

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Experimental study of photoelectric effect
u-v rays
Evacuated tube
G Plate A – negatively charged (emitter)
Plate B – positively charged (collector)
A B
Photo electric current
- +
V
When there is no u-v rays falling on the plate or when rays falls on plate B, observed no
deflection in galvanometer (incomplete circuit). But when u-v rays falls on plate A (negatively
charged), galvanometer shows deflection. This shows current passes through circuit because
of emission of electrons from plate A and moving towards plate B. The emitted electrons are
called photoelectrons and Current produced by it is known as photoelectric current. The
phenomenon is called photoelectric effect.

The substance which emits electrons when illuminated by the light is called photosensitive
substance

Factors affecting photoelectric current

1. Collector’s potential (V)

2. Intensity of light (I)
3. Frequency of light ( f )

1. Dependence of collector’s potential on photoelectric current

Considering intensity and frequency of light from source to be fixed

Y
1 (high intensity)

2 (low intensity)

P.E current

𝑉0
0 X
stopping potential Potential of collector (V)

In above figure each curve shows current changes with change in potential. Beyond some
positive potential the current attains saturation while for certain negative potential 𝑉0
(stopping potential) current become zero.

Current in the photoelectric tube does not follow Ohm’s law (the graph is not linear)

Saturation current
- The maximum possible current at a given intensity and frequency is known as
saturation current.

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Stopping potential ( 𝑉0 )
- Is the potential that must be applied to stop the electrons from being ejected from the
surface when the light is incident on it.

✓ It is measure of maximum kinetic energy of photoelectrons. Because stopping

potential stops the maximum energy electrons from reaching other plates

𝐸𝑘 = e 𝑉0 where, 𝐸𝑘 is maximum kinetic energy of electron

e is charge on the electron and 𝑉0 is stopping potential

Conclusion:
✓ Current depends on intensity of incident light: with increase in intensity the
photoelectric current also increases.
✓ Stopping potential is independent of the intensity of light: Both the curves meet at
same point on x-axis indicate that stopping potential is independent of intensity of light

✓ There is upper limit of energy to emit electrons (there should be certain minimum
potential to emit electrons)

✓ Presence of current for zero value of potential shows electrons are ejected from the
surface of emitter with some energy

✓ Gradual change in number of electrons reaching collector due to change on V indicates

electrons are ejected with a variety of velocities

2. Dependence of intensity of light on photoelectric current

✓ Photoelectric current is directly proportional to the intensity of incident light

current

0
Intensity of light

3. Dependence of frequency of light on photoelectric current

Considering same intensity but different frequency

Y saturation current

𝑓3 > 𝑓2 > 𝑓1

𝑓3 𝑓2
𝑓1
P.E current
X
𝑉0 3 𝑉0 2 𝑉0 1 0
Potential

12 Physics notes/GHSS/2021 Tshewang Phuntsho 8

Conclusion:
✓ Stopping potential depends upon the frequency of light: The value of stopping potential
is more negative for radiation of higher frequency.

✓ Saturation current is independent of frequency of light

✓ At zero potential, photoelectric current is directly proportional to frequency of the light

Threshold frequency/cutoff frequency (𝒇𝟎 )

- The minimum frequency of light which can emit photoelectrons from surface of metal.

✓ Below threshold frequency (𝑓 < 𝒇𝟎 ) no photoelectrons can be emitted. Only above

threshold frequency( 𝑓 > 𝒇𝟎 ) electron can be emitted.

✓ If frequency is equal to threshold frequency (𝑓 = 𝒇𝟎 ), photo electric emission is just

possible and kinetic energy of the ejected electron will be zero.

Threshold wavelength / cutoff wavelength (𝞴𝟎 )

- The maximum wavelength of light which can emit electrons from the surface of metal.

✓ When the light wave has threshold frequency, its wavelength is called threshold
wavelength. Wavelength is inversely proportional to frequency

Stopping potential versus frequency of incident radiation

Stopping potential (𝑉0)

X
0 𝑓0 frequency

Conclusion:
1. Stopping potential (𝑉0) varies linearly with the frequency of incident radiation.

2. For a given photosensitive material, there is a certain minimum cutoff frequency (𝑓0 )
for which the stopping potential is zero.

Laws of photoelectric effect

1. The rate of emission of photoelectrons from the metal surface varies directly as the
intensity (number of photon), but energy of each photon remains same

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 2. Above the threshold frequency, the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted
photoelectron is independent of the intensity of the incident light, but depends upon
the frequency (or wavelength) of the incident light.

3. Below threshold frequency (𝑓 < 𝑓0 ) photoelectrons cannot be emitted whatever may

be the intensity

4. The photoelectric emission is an instantaneous process.

5. No time lag between incidence of light and emission of electrons – As soon as the
photon falls on metal, one of the electrons in the metal absorbs and is ejected.

Question 14: Check your understanding 2

Ans:
a. we know, 𝑤0 = ℎ𝑓0 . Work function is directly proportional to threshold frequency
(𝑓0 ) - threshold frequency (𝑓0 ) is highest for Lithium and lowest for Cesium, so order
of targets will be
𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒖𝒎 > 𝒔𝒐𝒅𝒊𝒖𝒎 > 𝒑𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒖𝒎 > 𝑪𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒖𝒎

b. The value of ‘h’ is same for all (as it is constant)

Question 15: Which of the metals has greater threshold wavelength and work function.

Einstein’s photoelectric effect equation

When a photon falls on a metal, it transfers whole of its energy to any of electrons and its
own existence vanishes.

E = hf where E is total energy of a photon

The energy is used for two purposes:

1. To eject electron from a metal surface – work function (𝑤0 )

2. To move ejected electrons to other plate – kinetic energy (𝐾. 𝐸𝑚𝑎𝑥 )

i.e. E = 𝐾. 𝐸𝑚𝑎𝑥 + 𝑤0
𝐾. 𝐸𝑚𝑎𝑥 = E – 𝑤0
1
2
𝑚𝑣 2 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = hf – 𝑤0
For f = 𝑓𝑜 , 𝑤0 = h𝑓0

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 1
Therefore, 𝑚𝑣 2 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = hf – h𝑓0
2
𝟏
𝒎𝒗𝟐 𝒎𝒂𝒙 = h(f – 𝒇𝟎 ) Einstein’s photoelectric effect equation
𝟐
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝐶
𝒎𝒗𝟐 𝒎𝒂𝒙 = hc ( 𝞴 − 𝞴 ) [since, 𝑓 = 𝜆 ]
𝟐 𝟎

𝒆𝑽𝟎 = hf – 𝒘𝟎 [since, 𝐾. 𝐸𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑒𝑉0 ]

Representation of slope and y-intercept in Stopping potential vs frequency graph

Y

𝒉
Slope(m) = 𝒆
Stopping potential (𝑉0)
0 X
𝑓0 frequency
𝒘𝒐
− 𝒆

We know, 𝐾. 𝐸𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑒𝑉0

𝑒𝑉0 = hf – 𝑤0
hf – 𝑤
𝑉0 = 𝒆 0
𝒉 𝑤
𝑉0 = (𝒆 ) 𝒇 − ( 𝒆0 ) …………..eqn 2

Comparing equation 2 with y = mx + C

𝒉
Slope (m) = 𝒆
𝒘𝒐
Y-intercept = . Both are constant
𝒆

𝟔.𝟔𝟑 𝒙 𝟏𝟎−𝟑𝟒 𝑱𝑺
The value of slope (m) = = 𝟒. 𝟏𝟒 𝒙 𝟏𝟎−𝟏𝟓 𝑽𝑺 (constant)
𝟏.𝟔 𝒙 𝟏𝟎−𝟏𝟗 𝑪

Remark: In some book frequency is denoted by symbol ‘v’ instead of ‘f ’ and work function
is denoted by 𝛷0 in place of 𝑤0

Dual nature of Radiation: - it states that radiation/light shows the characteristics of both a
wave and a particle
1. Interference, diffraction, polarization – shows wave nature of light
2. Photoelectric effect and Compton effect – shows particle nature of light.

de Broglie – “nature loves symmetry” i.e. entire universe is composed of matter and
radiation

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De – Broglie’s Hypothesis of matter waves

De- Broglie’s wave-particle duality

1
1. Matter possesses momentum (P = mv) and kinetic energy (K.E = 2 m𝑣 2 ) same like
that of particle/photon – it is having particle nature
2. All material particles in motion have wave nature. Waves associated with moving
particles of matter is known as de – Broglie’s wave/matter wave

De- Broglie’s wavelength of matter waves: de Broglie wave equation

According to Einstein’s mass energy relation

𝐸 = 𝑚𝑐 2 where, m is mass of photon and c is velocity of light (photon)
We know, 𝐸 = ℎ𝑓
Comparing,
𝑚𝑐 2 = ℎ𝑓
𝑚𝑐. 𝑐 = ℎ𝑓
𝑃. 𝑐 = ℎ𝑓 [Since, P = m v ]
ℎ𝑓 𝐸
𝑃= 𝐶 OR 𝑃 = 𝐶 [ since, E = hf]
OR
ℎ𝑓 𝐶
𝑃 = 𝑓𝜆 [ since, 𝑓 = 𝜆 , 𝑐 = 𝑓𝜆 ]

ℎ
𝑃= 𝜆
ℎ ℎ
Therefore, λ = (or) λ= de Broglie’s wave equation
𝑝 𝑚𝑣

Conclusion from de-Broglie’s wavelength equation

1. Waves are associated with moving particles only. If v = 0, λ = infinite
2. Matter waves are not electromagnetic in nature. λ does not depend on whether the
moving particles are charged or uncharged.

Question 15: A bacterium (mass = 2 𝑥 10−15 𝑘𝑔) in the blood is moving at 0.33 m/s. what is
the de Broglie wavelength of this bacterium?
ℎ
Ans: [Hint: λ = 𝑚𝑣 ]

Question 16: What is the momentum of a photon having

ℎ𝑓
a) frequency 1.5 𝑥 1013 Hz [Hint: P = 𝐶 ]
ℎ
b) wavelength 330 nm? [Hint: P = ]
𝜆

Question 17 : Is light a particle or a wave? Provide reasons and scientific evidence to support
the claim.

Question 18: Calculate the de Broglie wavelength for electron moving with the speed of
2 𝑥 1015 𝑚/𝑠

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 ℎ
Ans: [hint: λ = 𝑚𝑣 ; 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑠 9.1 𝑥 10−31 𝑘𝑔]

Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle

- State that “ It is not possible to measure exactly both the position and momentum of a
microscopic particle at the same time.

𝛥𝑥 𝛥𝑃 ≥ ћ where, 𝛥𝑥 is uncertainty in position

𝛥𝑃 is uncertainty in momentum
𝒉
ћ = 𝟐𝝅
The more we know about one the less we know about the other.

Why uncertainty? Because everything in the universe behaves like both a particle and a wave
at the same time.

de Broglie wavelength of an electron

we know,
1
K.E = 2 mv 2

1
mv 2 = K
2
2𝐾
v2 = 𝑚
2𝐾
𝑣 = √𝑚
2 𝑒𝑉
𝑣=√ [since, K = eV]
𝑚
2 𝑚𝑒𝑉
𝑣 = √𝑚 𝑥 𝑚

√2𝑚𝑒𝑉
𝑣= 𝑚
According to de Broglie’s wave equation
ℎ
λ=𝑃
ℎ
λ = 𝑚𝑣
ℎ √2𝑚𝑒𝑉
λ= √2𝑚𝑒𝑉
[since, 𝑣 = ]
𝑚𝑥 𝑚
𝑚

𝒉
λ= de Broglie wavelength of an electron
√𝟐 𝒎𝒆𝑽

Substituting value of h, m and e

𝟏.𝟐𝟕 𝒙 𝟏𝟎−𝟗 𝟏.𝟐𝟕
λ= 𝒎 or λ = 𝒏𝒎
√𝑽 √𝑽

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Summary: de Broglie wavelength of an electron is given by
ℎ
1. λ = 𝑚𝑒𝑉
√2
ℎ
2. λ = [since, k = eV ]
√2 𝑚𝐾
3.
1.27 𝑥 10−9 1.27
4. λ = 𝑚 or λ = 𝑛𝑚
√𝑉 √𝑉

Electron diffraction to determine structure of crystalline substance

It is an experiment to show wave nature of electrons

Arrangement of Experiment:
✓ It uses an evacuated diffraction tube containing an electron gun which generates a
small beam of electrons.
✓ An accelerating anode that accelerates the electrons to a known potential
✓ Polycrystalline target made of a very thin sheet or foil of material such as graphite
✓ A circular luminescent screen for viewing the resulting diffraction pattern.

Working:
The electrons from the cathode penetrate the carbon foil and are diffracted to produce a
pattern on the screen.

Conclusion:
The diffraction pattern observed on the screen is a series of concentric rings. If electrons were
just particles, they should not have exhibited the diffraction phenomenon. Therefore, the
experiment provides compelling evidence for the wave nature of the electrons.

Uses:
It is used to study and determine the structure of crystalline solid and
It is used to determine (to estimate) the size of a nucleus.

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BHSEC 2020
1. According to the particle nature of light, light exists as particles called photons.
Therefore, photons are
A neutral.
B negatively charged.
C positively charged.
D deflected by electromagnetic field.
2. The phenomenon of photoelectric effect is enhanced by electromagnetic radiation of
A shorter wavelength. C low frequency.
B longer wavelength. D low intensity.
3. Define stopping potential.

4. The workfunction of a photosensitive material is 3.3 × 10−19 J. What is its threshold

frequency?
Ans: 𝑊𝑜 = ℎ𝑓0
𝑊0
𝑓𝑜 =
ℎ
3.3×10−19
𝑓0 = 6.63×10−34
𝑓0 = 4.98 × 1014 𝐻𝑧
BHSEC 2019
5. In the phenomenon of photoelectric effect on metals, an increase in the frequency of
incident radiation increases
A velocity of emitted electrons.
B work function of the metal.
C threshold frequency.
D rate of emission.

6. The energy of photon depends upon the intensity of radiation. (Correct the following)
Answer: The energy of photon depends upon the frequency of radiation.
7. Tungsten has definite work function. But when X-rays fall on tungsten plate,
photoelectrons having different energies are emitted. Why?
Answer:
Photo electrons are emitted not only from the surface of the tungsten plate but also from
the interior of the metal. The photoelectrons from the surface have maximum energy.
Those emitted from the interior of the metal lose part of their energy in collisions with
metallic atoms.
BHSEC 2018
8. When a photon interacts with matter, it transfers
A momentum. C intensity.
B electrons. D protons.

9. The energy of a photon is ……………..proportional to its wavelength.

Ans: inversely

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10. Photoelectric emission is not possible at all frequencies. Why?
Ans:
If the frequency of the incident light is less than the threshold frequency then the energy
of incident photons (E=hf) will be less than the work function of the metal and photons
will not be emitted.

11. When the intensity of light falling on a photocell is increased, what will be its effect on
a) the current flowing out of the cell?
Ans: The current flowing out of the photocell increases.
b) minimum negative potential required to stop the current?
Ans: The minimum negative potential (stopping potential) required to stop the current
remains constant (or unchanged).

BHSEC 2017
12. The quantum of a light wave of frequency ‘f’ has energy equal to…………
Ans: hf

13. Compare the photon energies of a radio wave emitted from a radio station and microwave
emitted from airport radar when they fall on an alkali metal.
Ans: Energy of photons emitted by microwave will be higher than energy if photons
emitted by microwaves.
14. How are wavelength and momentum of matter waves related?
Ans: Wavelength and momentum are inversely related or proportional
h
=
P

BHSEC (2006-2015)
1. The strength of the photoelectric current depends on (2007)
a. Angle of incident radiation
b. Intensity of incident radiation
c. Frequency of incident radiation
d. Distance between emitter and collector

2. The saturated photoelectric current depends upon ….. while the stopping voltage
depends upon the …….. of incident radiation.
(intensity/wavelength/frequency/velocity) (2008)

3. No electrons are emitted if the incident radiation has a frequency less than a threshold
frequency. True or False. (2008)

4. The work function of photons for photoelectric emission from a metal is 0.05 eV. Find
the threshold frequency? (2009)

5. Explain the terms stopping potential and threshold frequency in photoelectric effect.
(2011)

12 Physics notes/GHSS/2021 Tshewang Phuntsho 16

6. Define the following terms
i. Stopping potential
ii. Threshold frequency (2010, 2013)
iii. Work function (2013)

7. No photoelectrons can be liberated from a metal surface, if the wavelength of the

incident light exceeds a certain value. Why? (2013)

8. What do you mean by work function and threshold frequency in photoelectric

emission? Give Einstein’s equation for photoelectric emission. (2013)

9. The …… associated with the moving particles of matter are called ….. (waves,
particles, de-Broglie waves, Plank’s constant) [2014]

10. What is photoelectric effect? Explain how it can be used to work out the value of
plank’s constant. [2014]

11. What factor does a stopping potential depend on? [2014]

12. Explain what happens to the wavelength of a photon after it collides with an electron?
[2014]
Ans: It results in decrease in energy (hf). Therefore, wavelength increases.

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