IB Physics HL E 2 3 Hl Photoelectric Equation Questions

Use the HL photoelectric equation to calculate work function, maximum kinetic energy, stopping potential and electron speed from photon data.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Physics HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • apply hf=Φ+E_k(max) to relate photon energy, work function, maximum kinetic energy and stopping potential
  • calculate maximum electron speed, work function or photon frequency and wavelength using consistent joule, electronvolt and SI units
  • interpret E_k(max)-frequency and photocell data graphs, explaining how intensity changes electron number or current without changing maximum electron energy

IB Physics HL E 2 3 Hl Photoelectric Equation Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 7]

This question is in two parts. Part 1 is about the oscillation of a mass. Part 2 is about the photoelectric effect.
Part 1 Oscillation of a mass
A mass of 0.80 kg rests on a frictionless surface and is connected to two identical springs both of which are fixed at their other ends. A force of 0.030 N is required to extend or compress each spring by 1.0 mm . When the mass is at rest in the centre of the arrangement, the springs are not extended.

Question (a)

(a)

A graph of the results of the experiment show how the maximum kinetic energy Emax E_{\text {max }} of the emitted photoelectrons varies with the frequency f of the incident radiation.

Figure for Question (a) — IB Physics HL

Use the graph to

[ 5 ]

Question (i)

(i)

determine the Planck constant.

[ 3 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

calculate the work function, in eV , for the metal surface.

[ 2 ]

Question (b)

(b)

The student repeats the experiment with a different metal surface that has a smaller value for the work function. On the graph in (e), draw a line to show how Emax E_{\text {max }} varies with f.

[ 2 ]
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