Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]
- Exam
- Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]
- Subject
- Physics
- Chapter
- Photoelectric Effect and Wave–Particle Duality
Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2] · Physics · Photoelectric Effect and Wave–Particle Duality
During an experiment on the photoelectric effect, no photocurrent...
During an experiment on the photoelectric effect, no photocurrent is detected when the stopping potential is applied. This indicates that
Options
- Athe photoelectrons are emitted but get re-absorbed by the emitter metal
- Bthe emission of photoelectrons is halted
- Cthe photoelectrons accumulate close to the collector plate
- Dthe photoelectrons disperse from the sides of the apparatus
Correct answer
A. the photoelectrons are emitted but get re-absorbed by the emitter metal
Step-by-step solution
In a photoelectric effect experiment, the emission of photoelectrons from the metal surface depends solely on the frequency and intensity of the incident light. The applied potential difference does not affect the emission process.
When a negative potential equal to the stopping potential is applied to the collector plate, it creates a retarding electric field. This field decelerates the emitted photoelectrons as they move towards the collector.
At the stopping potential, even the photoelectrons with the maximum kinetic energy are stopped just before reaching the collector plate. Since they cannot reach the collector, they are repelled back by the electric field and are eventually re-absorbed by the emitter metal.
Therefore, no electrons flow through the external circuit, resulting in zero detected photocurrent.
When a negative potential equal to the stopping potential is applied to the collector plate, it creates a retarding electric field. This field decelerates the emitted photoelectrons as they move towards the collector.
At the stopping potential, even the photoelectrons with the maximum kinetic energy are stopped just before reaching the collector plate. Since they cannot reach the collector, they are repelled back by the electric field and are eventually re-absorbed by the emitter metal.
Therefore, no electrons flow through the external circuit, resulting in zero detected photocurrent.