When light of wavelength 233 nm shines on a metal surface the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons is 1.98 eV. What is the maximum wavelength (in nm) of light that will produce photoelectrons from this surface

λmax = 372 nm

Explanation:

First we find the energy of photon:

E = hc/λ

where,

E = Energy of Photon = ?

λ = Wavelength of Light = 233 nm = 2.33 x 10⁻⁷ m

c = speed of light = 3 x 10⁸ m/s

h = Planks Constant = 6.626 x 10⁻³⁴ J.s

Therefore,

E = (6.626 x 10⁻³⁴ J.s)(3 x 10⁸ m/s)/(2.33 x 10⁻⁷ m)

E = 8.5 x 10⁻¹⁹ J

Now, from Einstein's Photoelectric Equation:

E = Work Function + Kinetic Energy

8.5 x 10⁻¹⁹ J = Work Function + (1.98 eV)(1.6 x 10⁻¹⁹ J/1 eV)

Work Function = 8.5 x 10⁻¹⁹ J - 3.168 x 10⁻¹⁹ J

Work Function = 5.332 x 10⁻¹⁹ J

Since, work function is the minimum amount of energy required to emit electron. Therefore:

Work Function = hc/λmax

λmax = hc/Work Function

where,

λmax = maximum wavelength of light that will produce photoelectrons = ?

Therefore,

λmax = (6.626 x 10⁻³⁴ J.s)(3 x 10⁸ m/s)/(5.332 x 10⁻¹⁹ J)

λmax = 3.72 x 10⁻⁷ m

λmax = 372 nm

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