Q160 / 180 · COMEDK 2025 (25 May Shift) · Physics
A plot of kinetic energy of emitted photoelectrons from a metal versus the frequency of incident radiation gives a straight line, the intercept of which
A. Depends on the nature of the metal used
B. Depends on the intensity of radiation
C. Depends both on the intensity and the nature of metal used
D. Is a constant and is same for all metals which is independent of the intensity of Incident radiation
- Correct answerAA
- BB
- CC
- DD
Solution
According to Einstein's photoelectric equation, the kinetic energy $K_{max}$ of emitted photoelectrons is given by $K_{max} = h\nu - \Phi$, where $h$ is Planck's constant, $\nu$ is the frequency of incident radiation, and $\Phi$ is the work function of the metal.
Comparing this equation with the equation of a straight line $y = mx + c$, where $y = K_{max}$, $x = \nu$, $m = h$, and $c = -\Phi$, we see that the intercept on the y-axis is $-\Phi$.
The work function $\Phi$ is a characteristic property of the metal and depends on the nature of the metal used. It is independent of the intensity of the incident radiation.
Answer: A
Comparing this equation with the equation of a straight line $y = mx + c$, where $y = K_{max}$, $x = \nu$, $m = h$, and $c = -\Phi$, we see that the intercept on the y-axis is $-\Phi$.
The work function $\Phi$ is a characteristic property of the metal and depends on the nature of the metal used. It is independent of the intensity of the incident radiation.
Answer: A
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'A'.