Question

Which of the following statement is not true about stopping potential (\( V_0 \))?

• A. It depends on the nature of emitter material.
• B. It depends upon frequency of the incident light.
• C. It increases with increase in intensity of the incident light.
• D. It is \( \frac{1}{e} \) times the maximum kinetic energy of electrons emitted.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The relationship between stopping potential \( V_0 \) and the maximum kinetic energy of emitted photoelectrons is given by:

\( KE_{\text{max}} = hu - \phi_0 = eV_0, \)

with the following definitions:
- \( h \): Planck’s constant.
- \( u \): Frequency of incident light.
- \( \phi_0 \): Work function of the emitter material.
- \( e \): Elementary charge.

Important considerations:
1. The stopping potential \( V_0 \) is directly proportional to the incident light's frequency (\( u \)) but is unaffected by its intensity. Increased light intensity leads to a greater number of emitted photoelectrons, but their maximum kinetic energy and the stopping potential remain unchanged.
2. The nature of the emitter material also affects the stopping potential, as work functions (\( \phi_0 \)) vary between different materials.

Consequently, statement (3) is erroneous because \( V_0 \) does not rise with increased incident light intensity.