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A certain metallic surface is illuminated with monochromatic light of wavelength λ\lambda. The stopping potential for photoelectric current for this light is 3V03V_0. If the same surface is illuminated with light of wavelength 2λ2\lambda, the stopping potential is V0V_0. The photoelectric effect's threshold wavelength for this surface is?

A

6λ\lambda

B

4λ\lambda

C

λ\lambda/4

D

λ\lambda/6

Step-by-Step Solution

According to Einstein's photoelectric equation: eVs=hcλϕeV_s = \frac{hc}{\lambda} - \phi.

Case 1: For wavelength λ\lambda and stopping potential 3V03V_0: e(3V0)=hcλϕe(3V_0) = \frac{hc}{\lambda} - \phi ...(i)

Case 2: For wavelength 2λ2\lambda and stopping potential V0V_0: e(V0)=hc2λϕe(V_0) = \frac{hc}{2\lambda} - \phi ...(ii)

Substituting eV0eV_0 from (ii) into (i): 3(hc2λϕ)=hcλϕ3(\frac{hc}{2\lambda} - \phi) = \frac{hc}{\lambda} - \phi 3hc2λ3ϕ=hcλϕ\frac{3hc}{2\lambda} - 3\phi = \frac{hc}{\lambda} - \phi 3hc2λhcλ=2ϕ\frac{3hc}{2\lambda} - \frac{hc}{\lambda} = 2\phi hc2λ=2ϕ    ϕ=hc4λ\frac{hc}{2\lambda} = 2\phi \implies \phi = \frac{hc}{4\lambda}

The threshold wavelength λ0\lambda_0 is related to the work function by ϕ=hcλ0\phi = \frac{hc}{\lambda_0}. Therefore, hcλ0=hc4λ    λ0=4λ\frac{hc}{\lambda_0} = \frac{hc}{4\lambda} \implies \lambda_0 = 4\lambda.

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