Frequency of light to eject electrons from gold

In summary, the required frequency of light to eject electrons from a gold surface with a maximum kinetic energy of 6.48×10(−19)J is 6.91 x 10(33). This is based on the work function of gold being 4.58 eV and the formula for calculating maximum kinetic energy. In order to overcome the work function and provide enough energy for kinetic energy, the work function must be converted into joules and added to the kinetic energy. Then, the energy of a photon can be determined in terms of frequency.
  • #1
mhooker_10
3
0
What frequency of light must be used to eject electrons from a gold surface with a maximum kinetic energy of 6.48×10(−19)J ?

The work function of gold is 4.58 eV.

f=
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2


You have to at least attempt an answer to a homework question.
Whats the energy of a photon, in terms of frequency?
 
  • #3


I used the formula for K(max) and solved for f and got 6.91 x 10(33)...and that not the right answer
 
  • #4


So you need to supply enough energy to overcomethe work function and then supply the KE.
So convert the work function into joules and add to the ke.
Then you just need the energy of aphoton in terms of frequency.

oops - you didn't post in the HW forum, so didn't get the list of things to do.
 
  • #5


Nevermind...I figured it out
 

Related to Frequency of light to eject electrons from gold

1. What is the frequency of light required to eject electrons from gold?

The frequency of light required to eject electrons from gold is approximately 5 x 10^14 Hz. This frequency falls in the ultraviolet range of the electromagnetic spectrum.

2. How does the frequency of light affect the ejection of electrons from gold?

The frequency of light determines the energy of each photon, which in turn affects the amount of energy transferred to the electrons in the gold. If the frequency is too low, the electrons will not have enough energy to be ejected. If the frequency is too high, the electrons will be ejected with excess energy, potentially causing damage to the gold surface.

3. Can any frequency of light eject electrons from gold?

No, only light with a frequency higher than the threshold frequency of gold can eject electrons. This is known as the photoelectric effect, and it follows the principle that the energy of a photon must be greater than the work function of the metal in order for electrons to be emitted.

4. Does the intensity of light affect the ejection of electrons from gold?

Yes, the intensity of light does affect the ejection of electrons from gold. The higher the intensity, the more photons are present, and therefore the more electrons will be ejected. However, the intensity does not affect the energy of each individual photon.

5. What is the relationship between the frequency of light and the energy of ejected electrons?

The energy of ejected electrons is directly proportional to the frequency of light. This means that as the frequency increases, so does the energy of the ejected electrons. This relationship is described by the equation E = hf, where E is the energy of the electron, h is Planck's constant, and f is the frequency of light.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
35
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
905
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
206
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
14K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
499
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
860
Back
Top