Light with a photon energy of 4 eV falls on a metal of work function 2 eV. Find the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons — Physics problems | PhysLabo
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Maximum energy of photoelectrons

Easy 11 grade Quantum Physics / Photoelectric Effect

Light falls on a metal, each photon of which has an energy of $h\nu = 4$ eV. The work function of this metal is $A = 2$ eV. Find the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons.

Given
  • $h\nu = 4$ eV
  • $A = 2$ eV
  • $E_k = ?$
Visual demonstration
Hints
Hint 1 / 2
The photoelectric equation: $E_k = h\nu - A$.
Hint 2 / 2
All energies are given in electronvolts — subtract directly, without converting units.
Solution

Einstein's photoelectric equation:

$$E_k = h\nu - A = 4 - 2 = 2 \text{ eV}$$

Answer

$E_k = 2$ eV