For the photoelectric effect, the maximum kinetic energy \( E_k \) of the photoelectrons is plotted against the frequency \( \nu \) of the incident photons as shown in figure. The slope of the graph gives
The photoelectric effect is defined by the equation:
\[
E_k = hf - \phi
\]
In this equation:
- \( E_k \) denotes the kinetic energy of the emitted electrons,
- \( h \) represents Planck’s constant,
- \( f \) is the frequency of the incident photons,
- \( \phi \) is the work function of the metal.
When the equation is rearranged into the form \( y = mx + b \):
\[
E_k = hf - \phi,
\]
the following correspondences apply:
- \( E_k \) maps to \( y \),
- \( f \) maps to \( x \),
- \( h \) (Planck’s constant) is the slope \( m \),
- \( -\phi \) is the y-intercept.
Consequently, the slope of the graph illustrating the relationship between kinetic energy and frequency yields Planck’s constant \( h \).
