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A-Level CAIE Physics 22 2 Photoelectric Effect Question Bank

Practice A-Level CAIE Physics 22 2 Photoelectric Effect questions by syllabus topic with past-paper context, marks, difficulty and question previews on Eduninja.

10 matching questions · Open interactive library

Question 7

7

The photoelectric effect may be represented by the equation photon energy = work function energy + maximum kinetic energy of electron.

structured6 marks

Question 7(a)

7(a)

State what is meant by work function energy.

Easystructured1 marks

Answer

minimum energy to remove an electron from the metal/surface

Question 7(b)

7(b)

The variation with frequency f of the maximum kinetic energy \(E_{\mathrm{K}}\) of photoelectrons emitted from the surface of sodium metal is shown in Fig. 7.1. Use the gradient of the graph of Fig. 7.1 to determine a value for the Planck constant h. Show your working. h= Js

Mediumstructured2 marks

Answer

gradient \(=4.17 \times 10^{-15}\) (allow \(4.1 \rightarrow 4.3\) ) \(h=4.15 \times 10^{-15} \times 1.6 \times 10^{-19}\) or h=4.1 to \(4.3 \times 10^{-15} \mathrm{eVs}\)

Question 7(c)

7(c)

The sodium metal in (b) has a work function energy of 2.4 eV . The sodium is replaced by calcium which has a work function energy of 2.9 eV . On Fig. 7.1, draw a line to show the variation with frequency f of the maximum kinetic energy \(E_{\mathrm{K}}\) of photoelectrons emitted from the surface of calcium.

Mediumstructured3 marks

Answer

graph: straight line parallel to given line with intercept at any higher frequency

Question 9

9

For a particular metal surface, it is observed that there is a minimum frequency of light below which photoelectric emission does not occur. This observation provides evidence for a particulate nature of electromagnetic radiation.

structured8 marks

Question 9(a)

9(a)

State three further observations from photoelectric emission that provide evidence for a particulate nature of electromagnetic radiation. 1. 2. 3.

Mediumstructured3 marks

Answer

e.g. no time delay between illumination and emission max. (kinetic) energy of electron dependent on frequency max. (kinetic) energy of electron independent of intensity rate of emission of electrons dependent on/proportional to intensity (any three separate statements, one mark each, maximum 3)

Question 9(b)

9(b)

Some data for the variation with frequency f of the maximum kinetic energy \(E_{\mathrm{MAX}}\) of electrons emitted from a metal surface are shown in Fig. 9.1.

structured5 marks

Question 9(b)(i)

9(b)(i)

Explain why emitted electrons may have kinetic energy less than the maximum at any particular frequency.

Mediumstructured2 marks

Answer

(photon) interaction with electron may be below surface B1 energy required to bring electron to surface B1

Question 9(b)(ii)

9(b)(ii)

Use Fig.9.1 to determine 1. the threshold frequency, 2. the work function energy, in eV, of the metal surface. work function energy = eV

Mediumstructured3 marks

Answer

1. threshold frequency \(=5.8 \times 10^{14} \mathrm{~Hz}\) A1 [1] 2. \(\Phi=h f_{0}\) C1 or chooses point on line and substitutes values \(E_{\text {max }}, f\) and h into equation with the units of the h f term converted from J to eV

Question 7

7

Some data for the work function energy \(\Phi\) and the threshold frequency \(f_{0}\) of some metal surfaces are given in Fig. 7.1.

structured9 marks

Question 7(a)

7(a)

4 marks

Question 7(a)(i)

7(a)(i)

State what is meant by the threshold frequency.

Easystructured2 marks

Answer

lowest frequency of e.m. radiation giving rise to emission of electrons (from the surface)

Question 7(a)(ii)

7(a)(ii)

Calculate the threshold frequency for platinum. threshold frequency = Hz

Mediumstructured2 marks

Answer

E=h f threshold frequency \(=\left(9.0 \times 10^{-19}\right) /\left(6.63 \times 10^{-34}\right)\)

Question 7(b)

7(b)

Electromagnetic radiation having a continuous spectrum of wavelengths between 300 nm and 600 nm is incident, in turn, on each of the metals listed in Fig. 7.1. Determine which metals, if any, will give rise to the emission of electrons.

Mediumstructured2 marks

Answer

either \(300 \mathrm{~nm} \equiv 10 \times 10^{15} \mathrm{~Hz}\) (and \(600 \mathrm{~nm} \equiv 5.0 \times 10^{14} \mathrm{~Hz}\) ) or \(\quad 300 \mathrm{~nm} \equiv 6.6 \times 10^{-19} \mathrm{~J}\left(\right.\) and \(\left.600 \mathrm{~nm} \equiv 3.3 \times 10^{-19} \mathrm{~J}\right)\) or zinc \(\lambda_{0}=340 \mathrm{~nm}\), platinum \(\lambda_{0}=220 \mathrm{~nm}\) (and sodium \(\lambda_{0}=520 \mathrm{~nm}\) ) M1 emission from sodium and zinc

Question 7(c)

7(c)

When light of a particular intensity and frequency is incident on a metal surface, electrons are emitted. State and explain the effect, if any, on the rate of emission of electrons from this surface for light of the same intensity and higher frequency.

Mediumstructured3 marks

Answer

each photon has larger energy M1 fewer photons per unit time M1 fewer electrons emitted per unit time A1

Question 7

7

Some data for the work function energy \(\Phi\) and the threshold frequency \(f_{0}\) of some metal surfaces are given in Fig. 7.1.

structured9 marks

Question 7(a)

7(a)

4 marks

Question 7(a)(i)

7(a)(i)

State what is meant by the threshold frequency.

Easystructured2 marks

Answer

lowest frequency of e.m. radiation giving rise to emission of electrons (from the surface)

Question 7(a)(ii)

7(a)(ii)

Calculate the threshold frequency for platinum. threshold frequency = Hz

Mediumstructured2 marks

Question 7(b)

7(b)

Electromagnetic radiation having a continuous spectrum of wavelengths between 300 nm and 600 nm is incident, in turn, on each of the metals listed in Fig. 7.1. Determine which metals, if any, will give rise to the emission of electrons.

Mediumstructured2 marks

Answer

either \(300 \mathrm{~nm} \equiv 10 \times 10^{15} \mathrm{~Hz}\) (and \(600 \mathrm{~nm} \equiv 5.0 \times 10^{14} \mathrm{~Hz}\) ) or \(\quad 300 \mathrm{~nm} \equiv 6.6 \times 10^{-19} \mathrm{~J}\left(\right.\) and \(\left.600 \mathrm{~nm} \equiv 3.3 \times 10^{-19} \mathrm{~J}\right)\) or zinc \(\lambda_{0}=340 \mathrm{~nm}\), platinum \(\lambda_{0}=220 \mathrm{~nm}\) (and sodium \(\lambda_{0}=520 \mathrm{~nm}\) ) M1 emission from sodium and zinc

Question 7(c)

7(c)

When light of a particular intensity and frequency is incident on a metal surface, electrons are emitted. State and explain the effect, if any, on the rate of emission of electrons from this surface for light of the same intensity and higher frequency.

Mediumstructured3 marks

Answer

each photon has larger energy fewer photons per unit time fewer electrons emitted per unit time M1 M1 A1

Question 7

7

3 marks

Question 7(c)

7(c)

Light of a single wavelength is incident on the surface of different metals. The work function energy of the metals is given in Table 7.1.

structured3 marks

Question 7(c)(i)

7(c)(i)

Explain the term threshold wavelength.

Easystructured1 marks

Answer

maximum wavelength (of electromagnetic radiation) that causes electrons to be emitted (from surface of metal) B1

Question 7(c)(ii)

7(c)(ii)

For the metals in Table 7.1, calculate the value of the largest threshold wavelength. threshold wavelength = m

Mediumstructured2 marks

Answer

\[ \text { work function }=2.26 \times 1.60 \times 10^{-19}(\mathrm{~J}) \] \(E=h c / \lambda\) so \[ \left(2.26 \times 1.60 \times 10^{-19}\right)=\left(6.63 \times 10^{-34} \times 3.00 \times 10^{8}\right) / \lambda_{0} \] C1 \(\lambda_{0}=5.50 \times 10^{-7} \mathrm{~m}\) A1

Question 7

7

Experiments are conducted to investigate the photoelectric effect.

structured11 marks

Question 7(a)

7(a)

It is found that, on exposure of a metal surface to light, either electrons are emitted immediately or they are not emitted at all. Suggest why this observation does not support a wave theory of light.

Mediumstructured3 marks

Answer

for a wave, electron can 'collect' energy continuously B1 for a wave, electron will always be emitted / electron will be emitted at all frequencies..... M1 after a sufficiently long delay A1

Question 7(b)

7(b)

Data for the wavelength \(\lambda\) of the radiation incident on the metal surface and the maximum kinetic energy \(E_{\mathrm{K}}\) of the emitted electrons are shown in Fig. 7.1.

structured4 marks

Question 7(b)(i)

7(b)(i)

Without any calculation, suggest why no value is given for \(E_{\mathrm{K}}\) for radiation of wavelength 650 nm .

Mediumstructured1 marks

Answer

either wavelength is longer than threshold wavelength or frequency is below the threshold frequency or photon energy is less than work function B1

Question 7(b)(ii)

7(b)(ii)

Use data from Fig. 7.1 to determine the work function energy of the surface. work function energy = J

Mediumstructured3 marks

Answer

\(h c / \lambda=\phi+E_{\mathrm{MAX}}\) C1 \(\left(6.63 \times 10^{-34} \times 3.0 \times 10^{8}\right) /\left(240 \times 10^{-9}\right)=\phi+4.44 \times 10^{-19} \quad \mathrm{C} 1\) \(\phi=3.8 \times 10^{-19} \mathrm{~J}\) (allow \(3.9 \times 10^{-19} \mathrm{~J}\) ) A1 [3]

Question 7(c)

7(c)

Radiation of wavelength 240 nm gives rise to a maximum photoelectric current I. The intensity of the incident radiation is maintained constant and the wavelength is now reduced. State and explain the effect of this change on

structured4 marks

Question 7(c)(i)

7(c)(i)

the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons,

Mediumstructured2 marks

Answer

photon energy larger M1 so (maximum) kinetic energy is larger A1

Question 7(c)(ii)

7(c)(ii)

the maximum photoelectric current I.

Mediumstructured2 marks

Answer

fewer photons (per unit time) M1 so (maximum) current is smaller A1 [2]

Question 8

8

Fig. 8.1 shows part of the emission spectrum of visible radiation emitted by hydrogen gas in a star in a distant galaxy. The galaxy is moving away from the Earth at a speed of \(6.2 \times 10^{6} \mathrm{~ms}^{-1}\) .

structured2 marks

Question 8(b)

8(b)

2 marks

Question 8(b)(i)

8(b)(i)

(i)Calculate the energy of a photon of this radiation.

Easystructured2 marks

Answer

E=h f and \(\lambda=c / f\) C1 \[ \begin{aligned} E =\left(6.63 \times 10^{-34} \times 3.00 \times 10^{8}\right) /\left(488 \times 10^{-9}\right) =4.08 \times 10^{-19} \mathrm{~J} \end{aligned} \] A1

Question 8

8

6 marks

Question 8(b)

8(b)

It has been observed that, where photoelectric emission of electrons takes place, there is negligible time delay between illumination of the surface and emission of an electron. State three other pieces of evidence provided by the photoelectric effect for the particulate nature of electromagnetic radiation. 1. 2.

Mediumstructured3 marks

Answer

threshold frequency rate of emission is proportional to intensity max. kinetic energy of electron dependent on frequency max. kinetic energy independent of intensity (any three, 1 each, max 3) B3 [3]

Question 8(c)

8(c)

The work function of a metal surface is 3.5 eV . Light of wavelength 450 nm is incident on the surface. Determine whether electrons will be emitted, by the photoelectric effect, from the surface. Please turn over for Section B. Answer all the questions in the spaces provided.

Mediumstructured3 marks

Answer

either \(E=h c / \lambda\) or \(h c / \lambda=e V\) C1 \(\lambda=450 \mathrm{~nm}\) to give work function of 3.5 eV energy \(=4.4 \times 10^{-19}\) or 2.8 eV to give \(\lambda=355 \mathrm{~nm}\) M1 2.8 eV<3.5 eV so no emission \(355 \mathrm{~nm}<450 \mathrm{~nm}\) so no A1 or work function =3.5 eV threshold frequency \(=8.45 \times 10^{14} \mathrm{~Hz}\) C1 \(450 \mathrm{~nm}=6.67 \times 10^{14} \mathrm{~Hz}\) M1 \(6.67 \times 10^{14} \mathrm{~Hz}<8.45 \times 10^{14} \mathrm{~Hz}\) A1

Question 7

7

An explanation of the photoelectric effect includes the terms photon energy and work function energy.

structured6 marks

Question 7(a)

7(a)

Explain what is meant by

structured1 marks

Question 7(a)(ii)

7(a)(ii)

work function energy.

Easystructured1 marks

Answer

minimum energy to cause emission of an electron (from surface)

Question 7(b)

7(b)

In an experiment to investigate the photoelectric effect, a student measures the wavelength \(\lambda\) of the light incident on a metal surface and the maximum kinetic energy \(E_{\max }\) of the emitted electrons. The variation with \(E_{\max }\) of \(\frac{1}{\lambda}\) is shown in Fig. 7.1.

structured5 marks

Question 7(b)(i)

7(b)(i)

The work function energy of the metal surface is \(\Phi\). State an equation, in terms of \(\lambda, \Phi\) and \(E_{\text {max }}\), to represent conservation of energy for the photoelectric effect. Explain any other symbols you use.

Mediumstructured2 marks

Answer

\(h c / \lambda=\Phi+E_{\max }\)

Question 7(b)(ii)

7(b)(ii)

Use your answer in (i) and Fig. 7.1 to determine 1. the work function energy \(\Phi\) of the metal surface, 2. a value for the Planck constant. Planck constant = Js

Hardstructured3 marks

Answer

1. either when \(1 / \lambda=0, \Phi=-E_{\max }\) or evidence of use of x-axis intercept from graph or chooses point close to the line and substitutes values of \(1 / \lambda\) and \(\Phi=4.0 \times 10^{-19} \mathrm{~J}\left(\right.\) allow \(\left.\pm 0.2 \times 10^{-19} \mathrm{~J}\right)\) 2. either gradient of graph is 1 / h c gradient \(=4.80 \times 10^{24} \rightarrow 5.06 \times 10^{24}\) \(h=1 /\left(\right.\) gradient \(\left.\times 3.0 \times 10^{8}\right)\) or chooses point close to the line and substitutes values of \(1 / \lambda\) and values of \(1 / \lambda\) and \(E_{\text {max }}\) are correct within half a square (Allow full credit for the correct use of any appropriate method) (Do not allow 'circular' calculations in part 2 that lead to the same value of Planck constant that was substituted in part 1)

Question 8

8

9 marks

Question 8(a)

8(a)

Describe two phenomena associated with the photoelectric effect that cannot be explained using a wave theory of light. 1 2

Mediumstructured2 marks

Answer

two from: - there is a frequency below which electrons are not ejected - maximum energy of electron depends on frequency - maximum energy of electrons does not depend on intensity - emission of electrons is instantaneous B2

Question 8(b)

8(b)

The maximum energy \(E_{\text {max }}\) of electrons emitted from a metal surface when illuminated by light of wavelength \(\lambda\) is given by the expression where h is the Planck constant and c is the speed of light.

structured5 marks

Question 8(b)(i)

8(b)(i)

Identify the symbol \(\lambda_{0}\).

Easystructured1 marks

Answer

( \(\lambda_{0}\) is the) threshold wavelength or wavelength corresponding to threshold frequency or maximum wavelength for emission (of electrons) B1

Question 8(b)(ii)

8(b)(ii)

The variation with \(\frac{1}{\lambda}\) of \(E_{\max }\) for the metal surface is shown in Fig. 8.1. Use Fig. 8.1 to determine the magnitude of \(\lambda_{0}\).

Mediumstructured2 marks

Answer

\[ \text { intercept }=1 / \lambda_{0}=2.2 \times 10^{6} \mathrm{~m}^{-1} \] \[ \lambda_{0}=4.5 \times 10^{-7} \mathrm{~m} \] A1

Question 8(b)(iii)

8(b)(iii)

Use the gradient of Fig. 8.1 to determine a value for the Planck constant h. Show your working.

Hardstructured2 marks

Answer

gradient \(=2.0 \times 10^{-25}\) or correct substitution into gradient formula B1 gradient =h c C1 \[ \begin{aligned} h=\left(2.0 \times 10^{-25}\right) /\left(3.0 \times 10^{8}\right) h=6.7 \times 10^{-34} \mathrm{~J} \mathrm{~s} \end{aligned} \] A1

Question 8(c)

8(c)

The metal surface in (b) becomes oxidised. Photoelectric emission is still observed but the work function energy is increased. On Fig. 8.1, draw a line to show the variation with \(\frac{1}{\lambda}\) of \(E_{\max }\) for the oxidised surface.

Mediumstructured2 marks

Answer

line with same gradient as printed line B1 straight line with positive gradient, intercept at greater than \(2.2 \times 10^{6}\) when candidate's line extrapolated B1