Light of wavelength (L) shines on a metal surface with intensity (x) a...
Effect of doubling intensity of light on emission of electrons and their average energy
Possible answer:
When the intensity of light shining on a metal surface is doubled, it will cause more photons to hit the surface and excite more electrons to higher energy levels. This may increase the kinetic energy of the electrons and some may overcome the work function of the metal and be emitted as photoelectrons. The rate of emission of electrons (y) will depend on the number of photons that can cause this effect, which is proportional to the intensity of light (x).
However, the average energy (z) of the emitted electrons will depend on the energy distribution of the electrons in the metal and the work function of the metal. Increasing the intensity of light will not change these parameters, so the average energy of the emitted electrons will remain the same.
Therefore, the correct answer is D) y will be doubled but z will remain the same.
To summarize:
Impact of doubling light intensity on photoelectric effect:
- More photons hit the metal surface
- More electrons may be excited to a higher energy level
- Some electrons may be emitted as photoelectrons
- Rate of emission (y) will increase proportionally to the intensity (x)
Impact of doubling light intensity on average energy of photoelectrons:
- Energy distribution of electrons in metal and work function of metal determine the maximum kinetic energy of emitted electrons
- Increasing the intensity of light does not change these parameters
- Average energy (z) of emitted electrons will remain the same.
Light of wavelength (L) shines on a metal surface with intensity (x) a...
Since energy of emitted electrons doesn't depends on intensity (x) but number of photoelectrons emitted depends on intensity, that is, it's directly proportional to intensity. So if X is doubled Y will be doubled but Z will remain constant. answer is D.
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