Question Detail
Question
According to the photoelectric effect, what happens if photons of radiation have energy less than the threshold energy of a metal?
Correct Answer
Option C is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
If photons have energy less than the threshold energy required to overcome the attractive forces holding electrons in the metal, electrons cannot escape the metal surface. This occurs regardless of the intensity of the light beam, as the energy of individual photons is insufficient.
Hint
Consider the relationship between photon energy and the minimum energy required for electron ejection.