The photoelectric effect

The photoelectric effect is the phenomenon where electrons are emitted from a material when it is illuminated with light. It was first observed by Heinrich Hertz in 1887 and explained by Albert Einstein in 1905, for which he received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921.

Factors affecting the photoelectric current

The photoelectric current refers to the flow of electrons emitted from the material due to the incident light. Several factors can affect the magnitude of the photoelectric current:

1. Intensity of the incident beam: The intensity of the incident beam of light refers to the number of photons per unit area per unit time. The intensity is directly proportional to the number of photons incident on the material. Therefore, increasing the intensity of the incident beam will increase the number of photons available to interact with the material, resulting in an increase in the photoelectric current.

2. Frequency of the incident photon: The frequency of the incident photon refers to the energy carried by each individual photon. The energy of a photon is directly proportional to its frequency, according to the equation E = hf, where E is the energy, h is the Planck's constant, and f is the frequency. When a photon interacts with an electron in the material, it transfers its energy to the electron, allowing it to overcome the work function of the material and be emitted. Higher frequency photons carry more energy and are more likely to cause electron emission. Therefore, increasing the frequency of the incident photon will increase the energy available for electron emission and consequently increase the photoelectric current.

Correct answer: Option C

The correct answer to the given question is option C, which states that the photoelectric current does not depend on the photon frequency but depends only on the intensity of the incident beam. This statement is incorrect. The photoelectric current depends on both the intensity and frequency of the incident beam of light.

Conclusion

In summary, the photoelectric current is influenced by both the intensity and frequency of the incident beam of light. Increasing the intensity of the incident beam will increase the number of photons available to interact with the material, leading to an increase in the photoelectric current. Similarly, increasing the frequency of the incident photon will increase the energy available for electron emission, resulting in an increase in the photoelectric current. Thus, option C is not the correct answer, and the correct answer is option D, which states that the photoelectric current depends both on the intensity and frequency of the incident beam of light.