Question:medium

The maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons varies.

Show Hint

The kinetic energy of photoelectrons depends on the wavelength of light, with shorter wavelengths producing higher energy photoelectrons.
Updated On: Nov 26, 2025
Hide Solution

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Relationship between kinetic energy and frequency
The photoelectric equation is: \[ K.E = h u - \phi \] In this equation, \( h \) represents Planck's constant, \( u \) is the frequency of the incident light, and \( \phi \) is the work function of the material. Step 2: Relationship between frequency and wavelength
Frequency \( u \) and wavelength \( \lambda \) are related by: \[ u = \frac{c}{\lambda} \] Here, \( c \) denotes the speed of light. Step 3: Substitution into the equation
Substituting \( u = \frac{c}{\lambda} \) into the photoelectric equation yields: \[ K.E = \frac{hc}{\lambda} - \phi \] Consequently, the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons is inversely proportional to the wavelength \( \lambda \).
Was this answer helpful?
0