Question

At the stopping potential, the photoelectrons have

• A. kinetic energy \(=0\)
• B. potential energy \(=0\)
• C. kinetic energy greater than potential energy
• D. Kinetic energy is maximum

Hint:

The stopping potential is the retarding potential that just stops the fastest photoelectrons.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Energy balance
The retarding potential energy $eV_{0}$ equals the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons.

Step 2: Meaning
All the kinetic energy is used up against the retarding field.

Step 3: Eliminate
The electrons are not described by zero potential energy or greater kinetic energy, and the maximum kinetic energy is what was used up. So kinetic energy $=0$.

Final Answer:
The kinetic energy of the photoelectrons is reduced to zero. \[ \boxed{\text{(A) }\text{kinetic energy }=0} \]