Question:medium

If the work function of a metal is 6.875 eV, its threshold wavelength will be (Take \(c = 3 \times 10^8\) m/s)

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Useful constant: \(hc = 1240\) eV·nm = 12400 eV·Å.
Updated On: Jun 19, 2026
  • 3600 Å
  • 2400 Å
  • 1800 Å
  • 1200 Å
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

To determine the threshold wavelength of the metal for which the work function is given, we first need to apply the relevant physics concepts involving the photoelectric effect.

  1. The work function (\(\phi\)) is the minimum energy required to remove an electron from the surface of a metal. This is related to the threshold frequency (\(\nu_0\)) by the equation: 
    \(\phi = h\cdot \nu_0\)
  2. The relationship between frequency (\(\nu\)) and wavelength (\(\lambda\)) is given by the equation: 
    \(\nu = \frac{c}{\lambda}\), where \(c\) is the speed of light.
  3. Substituting frequency into the work function expression, we get: 
    \(\phi = \frac{h\cdot c}{\lambda_0}\)
  4. Rearranging the formula to find the threshold wavelength (\(\lambda_0\)), we get: 
    \(\lambda_0 = \frac{h \cdot c}{\phi}\)
  5. Substituting given values:
    • Work function, \(\phi = 6.875\) eV. To convert this to joules (since \(h\) uses joules), multiply by charge of an electron: \(1 \text{ eV} = 1.6 \times 10^{-19} \text{ J}\).
    • \(\phi = 6.875 \times 1.6 \times 10^{-19} \text{ J} = 1.1 \times 10^{-18} \text{ J}\)
    • Planck's constant, \(h = 6.626 \times 10^{-34} \text{ Js}\)
    • Speed of light, \(c = 3 \times 10^8 \text{ m/s}\)
  6. Substituting these into the wavelength formula: 
    \(\lambda_0 = \frac{6.626 \times 10^{-34} \cdot 3 \times 10^{8}}{1.1 \times 10^{-18}}\) 
    \(\lambda_0 = \frac{1.9878 \times 10^{-25}}{1.1 \times 10^{-18}}\) 
    \(\lambda_0 \approx 1.806 \times 10^{-7} \text{ m}\)
  7. Convert the wavelength into Angstroms: 
    \(\lambda_0 = 1.806 \times 10^{-7} \text{ m} \times 10^{10} \text{ Å/m}\) 
    \(\lambda_0 \approx 1806 \text{ Å}\)

Therefore, the threshold wavelength of the metal is approximately 1800 Å, which matches the correct answer provided in the options.

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