An orbiting satellite can become charged by the photoelectric effect when sunlight ejects electrons from its outer surface. satellites must be designed to minimize such charging. suppose a satellite is coated with platinum, a metal with a very large work function (φ = 5.32 ev). find the longest wavelength of incident sunlight that can eject an electron from the platinum.

the longest wavelength of incident sunlight that can eject an electron from the platinum is 233 nm

Explanation:

Given data

Φ = 5.32 eV

to find out

the longest wavelength

solution

we know that

hf = k(maximum) +Ф   1

here we consider k(maximum ) will be zero because photon wavelength max when low photon energy

so hf = 0

and hc/ λ = +Ф

so λ = hc/Ф  2

now put value hc = 1240 ev nm and Φ = 5.32 eV

so hc = 1240 / 5.32

hc = 233 nm

the longest wavelength of incident sunlight that can eject an electron from the platinum is 233 nm