Question:medium

Photons of energy 4.5 eV are incident on a photosensitive material of work function 3 eV. The de Broglie wavelength associated with the photoelectrons emitted with maximum kinetic energy is nearly

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The formula \( \lambda(\text{\AA}) = \frac{12.27}{\sqrt{V}} \) is very useful for electrons, where \( V \) corresponds to kinetic energy in electron-volts (eV).
Updated On: Mar 30, 2026
  • 10 \AA
  • 5 \AA
  • 20 \AA
  • 15 \AA
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
First, find the maximum kinetic energy (\( K_{\text{max}} \)) of the emitted photoelectrons using Einstein's photoelectric equation. Then, calculate the de Broglie wavelength using the relationship between kinetic energy and wavelength.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
1. Photoelectric equation: \( K_{\text{max}} = E - \phi \) 2. de Broglie wavelength: \( \lambda = \frac{12.27}{\sqrt{V}} \, \text{\AA} \) (where \( V \) is stopping potential or kinetic energy in eV). Alternatively, \( \lambda = \frac{h}{\sqrt{2mK}} \).
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Given: Photon Energy \( E = 4.5 \) eV Work Function \( \phi = 3 \) eV Calculate \( K_{\text{max}} \): \[ K_{\text{max}} = 4.5 - 3 = 1.5 \, \text{eV} \] Using the shortcut formula for an electron's wavelength where energy is in eV: \[ \lambda \approx \frac{12.27}{\sqrt{K_{\text{max}}(\text{in eV})}} \, \text{\AA} \] \[ \lambda = \frac{12.27}{\sqrt{1.5}} \, \text{\AA} \] Since \( \sqrt{1.5} \approx 1.225 \): \[ \lambda \approx \frac{12.27}{1.225} \approx 10 \, \text{\AA} \]
Step 4: Final Answer:
The wavelength is nearly 10 \AA.
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