Question

When a photon of energy hν falls on a photosensitive metallic surface (work function hν0), electrons are emitted from the metallic surface. It is possible to say that:

• A. All have the same K.E.=hν−hν$_0​$
• B. Maximum K.E.=hν−hν$_0$​
• C. Maximum K.E.=hν
• D. K.E.=hν$_0$​

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Maximum K.E.=hν−hν$_0$​

Answer 2

In the photoelectric effect, electrons are ejected with a range of kinetic energies. The maximum kinetic energy of an electron is given by:
K. Emax = hν −hν0
where hν is the energy of the incident photon and hν0 is the work function. Not all electrons have the same energy, as some may lose energy due to collisions within the metal, leading to a distribution of kinetic energies