Question:medium

Electrons are emitted with zero velocity from a metal surface when it is exposed to radiation of wavelength 6800 Å. Calculate the threshold frequency (ν0) and work function (W0) of the metal.

Updated On: Jan 21, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Given:

Wavelength of incident radiation, λ = 6800 Å = 6.8 × 10−7 m
Speed of light, c = 3.0 × 108 m s−1
Planck’s constant, h = 6.626 × 10−34 J s


Concept Used:

Since electrons are emitted with zero velocity, the given wavelength corresponds to the threshold wavelength.


Step 1: Calculate threshold frequency (ν0)

ν0 = c / λ

ν0 = (3.0 × 108) / (6.8 × 10−7)

ν0 = 4.41 × 1014 s−1


Step 2: Calculate work function (W0)

W0 = hν0

W0 = (6.626 × 10−34) × (4.41 × 1014)

W0 = 2.92 × 10−19 J


Step 3: Convert work function into electron volts

1 eV = 1.602 × 10−19 J

W0 = (2.92 × 10−19) / (1.602 × 10−19)

W0 = 1.82 eV


Final Answer:

Threshold frequency, ν0 = 4.41 × 1014 s−1
Work function of the metal, W0 = 2.92 × 10−19 J (≈ 1.82 eV)

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