Question:medium

The threshold frequency for a certain photosensitive metal surface is _0. When light of frequency 2_0 is incident on the surface, the maximum velocity of the emitted photoelectrons is v_1. If the frequency is increased to 5_0, the maximum velocity becomes v_2. The ratio v_1 : v_2 is:

Show Hint

Photoelectric speed depends on excess frequency above threshold: \[ v^2 \propto (\nu - \nu_0) \]
Updated On: Jun 10, 2026
  • \(1:2\)
  • \(1:4\)
  • \(2:1\)
  • \(1:\sqrt{2}\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Recall the photoelectric equation.
When light hits a metal, the freed electron's largest kinetic energy is the photon energy minus the work needed to escape: \[ K_{\max} = h\nu - h\nu_0, \] where $\nu_0$ is the threshold frequency.

Step 2: First case with frequency $2\nu_0$.
The kinetic energy is \[ K_1 = h(2\nu_0) - h\nu_0 = h\nu_0. \] Since $K = \tfrac{1}{2}mv^2$, we get $\tfrac{1}{2}mv_1^2 = h\nu_0$.

Step 3: Second case with frequency $5\nu_0$.
Now \[ K_2 = h(5\nu_0) - h\nu_0 = 4h\nu_0, \] so $\tfrac{1}{2}mv_2^2 = 4h\nu_0$.

Step 4: Divide the two energies.
Dividing cancels the constants: \[ \frac{v_1^2}{v_2^2} = \frac{h\nu_0}{4h\nu_0} = \frac{1}{4}. \]

Step 5: Take the square root.
\[ \frac{v_1}{v_2} = \sqrt{\frac{1}{4}} = \frac{1}{2}. \]

Step 6: State the answer.
So the speeds are in the ratio one to two. \[ \boxed{1:2} \]
Was this answer helpful?
0