Ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 97 nm strikes a metallic surface. Electrons leave the surface with speeds up to 3.48 × 105 m/s. What is the work function, in eV of the metal?

Explanation:

Before calculating the work function, we must know the formula for calculating the kinetic energy of an electron. The kinetic energy of an electron is the taken as the difference between incident photon energy and work function of a metal.

Mathematically, KE =  hf - Ф where;

h is the Planck constant

f is the frequency = c/λ

c is the speed of light

λ is the wavelength

Ф is the work function

The formula will become KE =  hc/λ - Ф. Making the work function the subject of the formula we have;

Ф = hc/λ - KE

Ф = hc/λ - 1/2mv²

Given parameters

c = 3*10⁸m/s

λ = 97*10⁻⁹m

velocity of the electron v = 3.48*10⁵m/s

h = 6.62607015 × 10⁻³⁴

m is the mass of the electron = 9.10938356 × 10⁻³¹kg

Substituting the given parameters into the formula Ф = hc/λ - 1/2mv²

Ф =  6.63 × 10⁻³⁴*3*10⁸/97*10⁻⁹ -  1/2*9.11*10⁻³¹(3.48*10⁵)²

Ф = 0.205*10⁻¹⁷ - 4.555*10⁻³¹*12.1104*10¹⁰

Ф = 0.205*10⁻¹⁷ - 55.163*10⁻²¹

Ф = 0.205*10⁻¹⁷ - 0.0055.163*10⁻¹⁷

Ф = 0.1995*10⁻¹⁷Joules

Since 1eV = 1.60218*10⁻¹⁹J

x = 0.1995*10⁻¹⁷Joules

cross multiply

x = 0.1995*10⁻¹⁷/1.60218*10⁻¹⁹

x = 0.1245*10²

x = 12.45eV

Hence the work function of the metal in eV is 12.45eV

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explanation: