Q240 · Practice questionComplex unfamiliar5 marks
QUESTION 240 (5 marks)
Two metals have work functions and . A monochromatic beam must produce a maximum photoelectron kinetic energy of at least from each metal. Use and .
a)[3 marks]
Determine the longest wavelength that meets both requirements.
b)[2 marks]
At a wavelength that meets the requirement, the beam intensity is reduced while its wavelength stays fixed. Explain the effects on maximum photoelectron kinetic energy and emission rate, assuming identical illumination area and unchanged surface conditions.
WORKED SOLUTION
5 marksPractice marking scheme
ANSWER
(a) (using the unrounded limit ). (b) Maximum kinetic energy is unchanged; emission rate decreases.
Worked solution
(a) For each metal, . Metal B has the larger required photon energy, , and therefore sets the common limit. . A sensible rounded value represents this limiting wavelength, not permission to exceed the unrounded bound.
(b) Photon energy is unchanged, so is unchanged for each metal. Lower intensity supplies fewer photons per second, giving fewer emitted electrons per second under the stated conditions.
Equivalent physically justified methods and consistent equivalent units accepted.
Displayed decimals are model answers; accept appropriate significant figures and consistent rounding from stated constants.
Part a: Form the required photon-energy inequality.
Part a: Identify metal B as the limiting surface.
Part a: Calculate the common maximum wavelength.
Part b: Relate fixed wavelength to unchanged maximum kinetic energy.
Part b: Relate lower intensity to reduced photon and photoelectron rates.
Practice question aligned to the current QCAA syllabus; review the worked solution and marking criteria.
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