Question:medium

Photoelectric emission takes place from a certain metal at threshold frequency \( \nu \). If the radiation of frequency \( 4\nu \) is incident on the metal plate, the maximum velocity of the emitted photoelectrons will be (\( m = \) mass of photoelectron, \( h = \) Planck's constant)}

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$K.E. = h(\text{Incident Frequency} - \text{Threshold Frequency})$.
Updated On: May 7, 2026
  • \( \sqrt{\frac{6h\nu}{m}} \)
  • \( \sqrt{\frac{3h\nu}{m}} \)
  • \( \sqrt{\frac{h\nu}{m}} \)
  • \( \sqrt{\frac{5h\nu}{m}} \)
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The photoelectric effect occurs when incident light provides enough energy to electrons to overcome the work function of a metal.
Einstein's photoelectric equation relates the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted photoelectrons to the energy of the incident photons and the work function of the material.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Einstein's photoelectric equation is: \[ K_{\text{max}} = E_{\text{incident}} - \Phi \] where \( K_{\text{max}} \) is the maximum kinetic energy, \( E_{\text{incident}} = h\nu_{\text{incident}} \) is the energy of incident photons, and \( \Phi \) is the work function.
The work function is related to the threshold frequency \( \nu_0 \) by: \[ \Phi = h\nu_0 \] Kinetic energy is related to maximum velocity \( v_{\text{max}} \) by: \[ K_{\text{max}} = \frac{1}{2} m v_{\text{max}}^2 \] Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Given that the threshold frequency of the metal is \( \nu_0 = \nu \).
The work function of the metal is: \[ \Phi = h\nu \] The frequency of the incident radiation is given as \( \nu_{\text{incident}} = 4\nu \).
The energy of the incident radiation is: \[ E_{\text{incident}} = h(4\nu) = 4h\nu \] Now, substitute these into Einstein's photoelectric equation: \[ K_{\text{max}} = 4h\nu - h\nu \] \[ K_{\text{max}} = 3h\nu \] We can also express the maximum kinetic energy in terms of the maximum velocity \( v_{\text{max}} \): \[ \frac{1}{2} m v_{\text{max}}^2 = 3h\nu \] We need to solve for \( v_{\text{max}} \). Rearrange the equation: \[ v_{\text{max}}^2 = \frac{2 \times 3h\nu}{m} \] \[ v_{\text{max}}^2 = \frac{6h\nu}{m} \] Taking the square root of both sides gives the maximum velocity: \[ v_{\text{max}} = \sqrt{\frac{6h\nu}{m}} \] Step 4: Final Answer:
The maximum velocity of the emitted photoelectrons is \( \sqrt{\frac{6h\nu}{m}} \).
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