Question Detail

PHY 104 PHY 104 Past Questions Objective Question

Question

The threshold frequency in a photoelectric experiment is most closely related to the
Options
A brightness of the incident light
B thickness of the photoemissive metal
C intensity of the incident light
D work function of the photoemissive metal
Correct Answer
Correct Answer

Option D is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

The threshold frequency (f_threshold) is the minimum frequency of incident light required to cause the emission of electrons from a metal surface. This frequency is directly related to the work function (φ) of the material by the equation φ = hf_threshold, where h is Planck's constant.The brightness or intensity of the incident light determines the number of electrons emitted, but not their kinetic energy or whether they are emitted at all below the threshold frequency. The thickness of the metal is generally not directly related to the threshold frequency.

Hint

Recall the fundamental condition for the photoelectric effect to occur and how it relates to the material's properties.

Question Info