BE UNSTOPPABLE.

BE A FORCE OF NATURE.
BE FIERCE, FOCUS ON YOUR GOALS AND
DON'T STOP UNTIL
YOU HAVE SUCCEDED.

Dual Nature of Matter

and Radiation
 Basics Photoelectric effect Failure of Wave Theory
Work function (W0) : The Hallwach’s and Lenard exp. Intensity Potential Frequency Laws • Greater the intensity of radiation,
minimum energy of incident The number of On increasing the If frequency of incident light • The photoelectric current is the greater is the amplitude of
radiation, required to eject photoelectrons emitted per potential the value of increases, (keeping intensity directly proportional to the electric and magnetic fields i.e. the
the electrons from metallic second is directly photoelectric current is constant) stopping intensity of incident light greater should be the energy
e– e–
surface is defined as work e– proportional to the intensity increases but after potential increases but their whereas the stopping absorbed by each electron. In this
P → e–→ Q
function of that surface. →
of incident radiation while sometime the value of is no change in photoelectric potential is independent of picture, the maximum kinetic
→
hc V independent of stopping photoelectric current current its intensity. energy of the photoelectrons on
W0 = h  0 = Joules ; m potential gets saturate. • No emission of the surface is then expected to
0 A photoelectrons takes place increase with increase in intensity
0 = Threshold frequency; On increasing the below threshold frequency, which contradicts the observations
0 = Threshold wavelength Phenomena emission of e-from the potential in reverse no matter how intense the of photoelectric effect.
surface of metal when frequency of direction the incident light is. • For any frequency the emission
Work function in electron suitable radiation fall on it is known as photoelectric current • The stopping potential or should take place which
volt W0(eV) photoelectric effect and the current is becomes zero at certain contradicts the observations of
kinetic energy of the
hc 12375 known as photoelectric current. value of potential
= = emitted photoelectrons photoelectric effect.
e 0  0 ( Å) Threshold frequency (0): The known as stopping increases linearly with the • The kinetic energy of
minimum frequency of incident i Potential. frequency of the incident photoelectron i.e. stopping
Electron Emission : 2I
radiations required to eject the = constant radiation, but is potential should be independent of
Thermionic Emission
Photoelectric emission electron from metal surface is defined I Kmax = eV0 2 > 1 i I=
independent of its intensity. frequency which contradicts the
Field emission as threshold frequency. • The photoelectric emission observations of photoelectric
constant effect.
Secondary emission If incident frequency  < 0  No 2 is an instantaneous process
– O V without any apparent time • As per wave theory emission of
photoelectron emission
V0 1 lag (~10– 9s or less), even electron should take place after a
If incident wavelength  > 0  No when the incident radiation long time this conclusion is again
photoelectron emission – – O V is made exceedingly dim. in striking contrast to that the
V02 V01 photoelectric emission is
instantaneous.
Einstein theory Matter Waves Davisson & Germer Experiment:
Einstein Explanation Formula’s Einstein Explanation Photons de-Broglie Waves
Photoelectric effect is
h = h 0 + K max • The intensity of radiation is proportional to the Bundles (packets or quanta) of energy, According to de-Broglie
the result of one to one number of energy quanta per unit area per unit is called a photon . a moving material
inelastic collision Kmax = eV0 time. As per Einstein’s picture, photoelectric Energy of photon particle sometimes acts
between photon and effect arises from the absorption of a single hc as a wave and sometimes
electron in which K max = eV0 = h( −  0 ) quantum of radiation by a single electron. E = h = ; as a particle. The wave

photon is completely • Considering the equation associated with moving
1 Mass of photon : Actually rest mass
absorbed. Einstein's 2
mv max = h( −  0 ) h (ν- ν0) = Kmax
of the photon is zero. But it's effective
particle is called matter
Photoelectric equation. 2 If ν<ν0 then it implies that the kinetic energy of wave or de-Broglie wave
This energy is spent in mass is given as and it propagates in the
the photoelectron will be negative which is
two ways: 2 h( −  0 ) practically not possible. Hence for ν>ν0 only E = mc 2 = h form of wave packets
A part of energy is v max = with group velocity.
It was noticed that a strong peak appeared in the
m the phenomenon of photoelectric emission is Momentum of the photon intensity (I) of the scattered electron for an
de-Broglie wavelength
used in liberating the observed. E h h accelerating voltage of 54V at a scattering angle
electron from the metal h h 0 p = m c = = =
 =
h
=
h
=
h θ = 50º.
surface which is equal V0 = − • If ν>ν0 then from the Einstein photoelectric c c
p mv 2mE the angle of glancing ∅ = 65°
to the work function of e e equation we conclude that Kmax∝ ν i.e. the Number of emitted photons : The
For nickel crystal d=0.91 Å
the material. V0 and ν is a linear one slope number of photons emitted per second h h h
kinetic energy of photoelectron only depends = = = Bragg’s Law for first order diffraction maxima (n=1)
Remaining energy is on frequency of photon. P P P p 2mE 2mqV
converted in the form h (n) = = = ; 2dsin∅ =1λ  λ = 2×0.91 Å×sin65°
of and intercept of E h hc h λ = 1.65 Å
of kinetic energy of the
e • As per Einstein’s theory, the collision between Intensity of light (I) : Energy E = kT   = According to de-Broglie Hypothesis, the wavelength
photoelectrons. a photon and electron is considered to be an 2mkT
h 0 elastic collision as a result of which the
crossing per unit area normally per
second is called intensity or energy
of the wave associated with electron is given by
For Electron 12 .27 12.27
E = W0 + Kmax
e
transfer of energy between them takes place as
a single event which involves transfer of flux . I =
E
=
P
12 .27 Electron = Å Electron = = 1.67Å
energy at once without any time lag. Therefore At A Electron = V 54
photoelectric emission is an instantaneous
V
process without any apparent time lag.

Prepared by RONAK SHAH(9428239499)

Prepared by RONAK SHAH(9428239499)
 RS Academy
135, Saman Complex, Mansi Circle,
Satellite, Ahmedabad
STD : 11 and 12 (GSEB/CBSE)

Lecture 11.1 (Hallwachs’ and Lenard’s Experiment)

Cathode Rays The minimum energy of incident radiation, required to

1) Cathode rays, discovered by Sir William Crooke eject the electrons from metallic surface is defined as
2) They are streams of fast moving electrons. work function of that surface.
ℎ𝑐
3) They can be produced by using a discharge tube ∅0 = h0 = 𝜆
0
containing gas at a low pressure of the order of 10– 0 = Threshold frequency;
2
mm of Hg. 0 = Threshold wavelength
4) The cathode rays in the discharge tube are the hc 12375
Work function in electron volt ∅0(eV)  
electrons produced due to ionisation of gas and that e 0 0 ( Å)
emitted by cathode due to collision of positive ions. One electron volt is the energy gained by an electron
5) Cathode rays travel in straight lines. when it has been accelerated by a potential difference
6) Cathode rays are emitted normally from the of 1 volt, so that 1 eV = 1.602 ×10–19 J.
cathode surface. Their direction is independent of
The work function depends on the
the position of the anode.
 Properties of the metal
7) Cathode rays exert mechanical force on the objects
 The nature of its surface.
they strike.
8) Cathode rays produce heat when they strikes a
Emission of Electron can take place in mainly 4 ways:
metal surface.
9) Cathode rays produce fluorescence. 1) Thermionic emission: By suitably heating,
10) When cathode rays strike a solid object, specially a sufficient thermal energy can be imparted to the
metal of high atomic weight and high melting point free electrons to enable them to come out of the
X-rays are emitted from the objects. metal.
11) Cathode rays are deflected by an electric field and 2) Field emission: By applying a very strong
also by a magnetic field. electric field (of the order of 108 Vm–1) to a metal,
12) Cathode rays ionise the gases through which they are electrons can be pulled out of the metal, as in a
passed. spark plug.
13) Cathode rays can penetrate through thin foils of 3) Photo-electric emission: When light of suitable
metal. frequency illuminates a metal surface, electrons
14) Cathode rays are found to have velocity ranging are emitted from the metal surface. These
1 1 photo(light)-generated electrons are called
th to th of velocity of light.
30 10 photoelectrons.
Emission of Electron: 4) Secondary emission: Emission of electron when
Metals have free electrons (negatively charged
a fast moving electron strikes the metal surface.
particles) that are responsible for their conductivity.
However, the free electrons cannot normally escape out Hallwachs’ and Lenard’s Experiment:
of the metal surface. If an electron attempts to come out  It consists of an evacuated glass/quartz tube having
of the metal, the metal surface acquires a positive charge a photosensitive plate C and another metal plate A.
and pulls the electron back to the metal. The free  Monochromatic light from the source S of
electron is thus held inside the metal surface by the sufficiently short wavelength passes through the
attractive forces of the ions. Consequently, the electron window W and falls on the photosensitive plate C
can come out of the metal surface only if it has got (emitter).
sufficient energy to overcome
 A transparent quartz window is sealed on to the
the attractive pull.
glass tube, which permits ultraviolet radiation to
Work function (or threshold energy) (∅0 ):
pass through it and irradiate the photosensitive plate
C.

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 Physics RS Academy

 The electrons are emitted by the plate C and are intensity I1.Varying the positive potential of plate A
collected by the plate A (collector), by the electric gradually and measuring the resulting photocurrent
field created by the battery. each time. It is found that the photoelectric current
increases with increase in accelerating (positive)
 The potential difference between the emitter and
potential. At some stage, for a certain positive
collector plates is measured by a voltmeter (V) potential of plate A, all the emitted electrons are
whereas the resulting photo current flowing in the collected by the plate A and the photoelectric
circuit is measured by a microammeter. current becomes maximum or saturates. If we
increase the accelerating potential of plate A
further, the photocurrent does not increase. This
maximum value of the photoelectric current is
called saturation current.
2. We now apply a negative (retarding) potential to the
plate A with respect to the plate C and make it
increasingly negative gradually. When the polarity
is reversed, the electrons are repelled and only the
most energetic electrons are able to reach the
collector A. The photocurrent is found to decrease
We can use the above experimental arrangement of to rapidly until it drops to zero at a certain sharply
study the variation of photocurrent with defined, critical value of the negative potential V0
(a) Intensity of radiation, on the plate A. For a particular frequency of
(b) Frequency of incident radiation, incident radiation, the minimum negative
(c)The potential difference between the plate A and C, (retarding) potential V0 given to the plate A for
(d) The nature of the material of plate C. which the photocurrent stops or becomes zero is
called the cut-off or stopping potential
Effect of intensity of light on photocurrent: 3. Repeating the experiment with incident radiation of
Keeping the frequency of the incident radiation and the the same frequency but of higher intensity I2 and I3
accelerating potential fixed, the intensity of light is (I3 > I2 >I1). We note that the saturation currents are
varied by changing the distance of the light source from now found to be at higher values. But the stopping
the emitter and the resulting photoelectric current is potential remains the same as that for the incident
measured each time. radiation of intensity I1, as shown graphically in
Observations: Fig.
It was found that the photocurrent increases linearly
with intensity of incident light as shown graphically.
The photocurrent is directly proportional to the number
of photoelectrons emitted per second.

Conclusion:
1) All the photoelectrons emitted from the metal
do not have the same energy. Photoelectric
current is zero when the stopping potential is
Conclusion:
The number of photoelectrons emitted per second is sufficient to repel even the most energetic
directly proportional to the intensity of incident photoelectrons, with the maximum kinetic
radiation. energy (Kmax), so that
Kmax = e V0
Effect of potential on photoelectric current: 2) For a given frequency of the incident radiation,
The battery maintains the potential difference between the stopping potential is independent of its
the plates C and A, that can be varied. The polarity of
the plates C and A can be reversed by a commutator. intensity. In other words, the maximum kinetic
Observations: energy of photoelectrons depends on the light
1. Keeping the plate A at some positive accelerating source and the emitter plate material, but is
potential with respect to the plate C and illuminate independent of intensity of incident radiation.
the plate C with light of fixed frequency ν and fixed
Ronak Shah - 9428239499 Page 2 of 3
 Physics RS Academy

Effect of frequency of incident radiation on Stopping 1. For a given photosensitive material and frequency
Potential of incident radiation (above the threshold
Keeping the same intensity of light radiation for various frequency), the photoelectric current is directly
frequencies and studying the variation of photocurrent
proportional to the intensity of incident light.
with collector plate potential. We obtain different
values of stopping potential but the same value of the 2. For a given photosensitive material and frequency
saturation current for incident radiation of different of incident radiation, saturation current is found to
frequencies. be proportional to the intensity of incident radiation
whereas the stopping potential is independent of its
intensity.
3. For a given photosensitive material, there exists a
certain minimum cut-off frequency of the incident
radiation, called the threshold frequency, below
which no emission of photoelectrons takes place, no
matter how intense the incident light is. Above the
threshold frequency, the stopping potential or
Conclusions: equivalently the maximum kinetic energy of the
The energy of the emitted electrons depends on the emitted photoelectrons increases linearly with the
frequency of the incident radiations. The stopping frequency of the incident radiation, but is
potential is more negative for higher frequencies of independent of its intensity.
incident radiation. Stopping potentials are in the order 4. The photoelectric emission is an instantaneous
V03 > V02 > V01 if the frequencies are in the order ν3> ν2 process without any apparent time lag (~10– 9s or
> ν1. This implies that greater the frequency of incident
less), even when the incident radiation is made
light, greater is the maximum kinetic energy of the
photoelectrons. Consequently, we need greater exceedingly dim.
retarding potential to stop them completely. If we plot a
graph between the frequency of incident radiation and
the corresponding stopping potential for different
metals we get a straight line, as shown in Fig.

Threshold frequency (0)

There exists a certain minimum cut-off frequency ν0
below this frequency no photoelectric emission is
observed. This minimum cut off frequency is known as
Threshold Frequency. For threshold frequency the value
of stopping potential is zero.
If incident frequency  < 0  No photoelectron
emission
Threshold wavelength (0): The maximum
wavelength of incident radiations required to eject the
electrons from a metallic surface is defined as threshold
wavelength.
If incident wavelength  > 0  No photoelectron
emission.
Laws of Photoelectric Emission:

Ronak Shah - 9428239499 Page 3 of 3

 RS Academy
135, Saman Complex, Mansi Circle,
Satellite, Ahmedabad
STD : 11 and 12 (GSEB/CBSE)

Lecture 11.2 (Einstein’s Theory)

Failure of Wave Theory of light Radiation energy is built up of discrete units–the so

1) According to the wave picture of light, greater the called quanta of energy of radiation. Each quantum of
intensity of radiation, the greater is the amplitude of radiant energy known as photon has an energy hν,
electric and magnetic fields. Consequently, the where h is Planck’s constant and ν the frequency of
light.
greater the intensity, the greater should be the
energy absorbed by each electron. In this picture, In photoelectric effect, an electron absorbs a quantum
the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons of energy (hν) of radiation. This energy is spent in two
on the surface is then expected to increase with ways:
increase in intensity which contradicts the 1 A part of energy is used in liberating the electron
observations of photoelectric effect. from the metal surface which is equal to the work
2) According to the wave picture of light, no matter function of the material.
what the frequency of radiation is, a sufficiently 2 Remaining energy is converted in the form of
intense beam of radiation (over sufficient time) kinetic energy of the photoelectrons.
should be able to impart enough energy to the If vmax is the maximum velocity of the electron and m
electrons, so that they exceed the minimum energy mass of the photoelectron then
2 1
needed to escape from the metal surface. A hν = ∅0 + Kmax = ∅0 + 𝑚𝑣𝑚𝑎𝑥
2
threshold frequency, therefore, should not exist This equation is known as Einstein’s photoelectric
which contradicts the observations of photoelectric equation.
effect.
3) According to the wave picture of light, the kinetic If the energy of photon is just sufficient enough to
remove the electron from the surface i.e. Kmax=0 then
energy of photoelectron i.e. stopping potential
that frequency of photon is known as threshold
should be independent of frequency which frequency denoted by ν0 and its energy is equal to work
contradicts the observations of photoelectric effect. function.
4) Further, in the wave picture, the absorption of hν = ∅0 + Kmax
energy by electron takes place continuously over For Kmax = 0 ν = ν0
the entire wavefront of the radiation. Since a large h ν 0 = ∅0
number of electrons absorb energy, the energy ∴ hν = h ν0 + Kmax
absorbed per electron per unit time turns out to be h (ν- ν0) = Kmax
small. Explicit calculations estimate that it can take
hours or more for a single electron to pick up Important Formulae for Photoelectric Effect
sufficient energy to overcome the work function (1) h  h 0  K max and Kmax  eV0
and come out of the metal. This conclusion is again
1
in striking contrast to that the photoelectric (2) K max  eV0  h(   0 )  2
mv max  h(   0 )
2
emission is instantaneous.
2h(   0 )
(3) v max 
m
Hence, the wave picture was unable to explain the
1 1 1   
most basic features of photoelectric emission. (4) K max  mv max
2
 eV0  hc     hc  0
   

2  0   0 

Einstein’s Photoelectric Equation: Energy 2hc 0   

(5) v max 
Quantum of Radiation m  0
According to Einstein, photoelectric emission does not
h hc  1 1  1 1 
take place by continuous absorption of energy from (6) V0  (   0 )      12375   

e   0    
radiation. e   0 

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 Physics RS Academy

Note: 1. In interaction of radiation with matter, radiation

 The intensity of light of a given frequency is behaves as if it is made up of particles called
determined by the number of photons incident photons.
per second. Increasing the intensity will 2. Energy of photon : Energy of photon is given by
increase the number of emitted electrons per hc
E  h  ; where c = Speed of light, h = Plank's
second. 
 However, the maximum kinetic energy of the constant = 6.6  10–34 J-sec,  = Frequency in Hz,
emitted photoelectrons is determined by the  = Wavelength of light.
energy of each photon. hc 12375 12400
In electron volt E(eV )   
Explanations of law of Photoelectric Effect e  ( Å)  ( Å)
1) The intensity of radiation is proportional to the 3. Mass of photon : Actually rest mass of the photon
number of energy quanta per unit area per unit time. is zero. But it's effective mass is given as
As per Einstein’s picture, photoelectric effect arises E h h
from the absorption of a single quantum of radiation E  mc 2  h  m  2  . This mass is
c 2
c c
by a single electron. also known as kinetic mass of the photon
2) Considering the equation 4. Momentum of the photon
h (ν- ν0) = Kmax E h h
Momentum p  m  c   
If ν<ν0 then it implies that the kinetic energy of the c c 
photoelectron will be negative which is practically 5. Number of emitted photons : The number of
not possible. Hence for ν>ν0 only the phenomenon photons emitted per second from a source of
of photoelectric emission is observed. monochromatic radiation of wavelength  and
3) If ν>ν0 then from the Einstein photoelectric
P P P
equation we conclude that Kmax∝ ν i.e. the kinetic power P is given as (n)    ; where E =
E h hc
energy of photoelectron only depends on frequency energy of each photon
of photon. 6. Intensity of light (I) : Energy crossing per unit area
4) As per Einstein’s theory, the collision between a normally per second is called intensity or energy
photon and electron is considered to be an elastic flux
collision as a result of which the transfer of energy E P E 
between them takes place as a single event which i.e. I     P  radiation power 
At A  t 
involves transfer of energy at once without any time At a distance r from a point source of power P
lag. Therefore photoelectric emission is an P 1
intensity is given by I   I
instantaneous process without any apparent time 4r 2 r2
lag. Thus, whatever may be the intensity, 7. Number of photons falling per second (n) : If P is
photoelectric emission is instantaneous. Low the power of radiation and E is the energy of a
intensity does not mean delay in emission, since the P
photon then n 
basic elementary process is the same. Intensity only E
determines how many electrons are able to 8. Photons are electrically neutral and are not
participate in the elementary process. deflected by electric and Magnetic fields.
9. In a photon-particle collision (such as photon-
Relation between V0 and ν electron collision), the total energy and total
h h 0 momentum are conserved. However, the number of
V0  
e e photons may not be conserved in a collision. The
From the above equation we conclude the relation photon may be absorbed or a new photon may be
between V0 and ν is a linear one and hence its graph is created.
h h 0
a straight line with a slope of and intercept of
e e Textbook Examples:
Photon (11.1) Monochromatic light of frequency 6.0 ×1014 Hz
According to Einstein’s quantum theory light is produced by a laser. The power emitted is 2.0
propagates in the bundles (packets or quanta) of energy, ×10–3 W. (a) What is the energy of a photon in
each bundle being called a photon and possessing the light beam? (b) How many photons per
energy. second, on an average, are emitted by the
Ronak Shah - 9428239499 Page 2 of 4
 Physics RS Academy

source? [Ans. (a) 3.98 × 10–19 J (b) 5.0 (a)maximum kinetic energy of the emitted
×1015 photons per second] electrons,
Solution: (b)stopping potential, and
(c)maximum speed of the emitted
Here v = 6.0 × 1014 Hz, P = 2.0 × 10-3 W photoelectrons ? [Ans. (a) 0.34 eV = 0.54 ×
(i) Energy of each photon, 10–19 J (b) 0.34V (c) 344 km/s]
Solution:
E = hv = 6.63 × 10-34 × 6.0 × 1014
= 3.98 × 10-19 J. (11.3) The photoelectric cut-off voltage in a certain
experiment is 15 V. What is the maximum
(ii) If N is the number of photons emitted per second by
kinetic energy of photoelectrons emitted ?
the source, then
[Ans. 1.5eV = 2.4 × 10–19 J]
Power transmitted in the beam Solution:
= N × energy of each photon Here V0 = 1.5 V
or P = NE Kmax = eV0 = 1.5eV
P 2.0×10−3 W
∴N= = = 1.5 × 1.6 × 10-19 J
E 3.98×10−19 J
or N = 5.0 × 1015 photons per second. = 2.4 × 10-19 J.
(11.2) The work function of caesium is 2.14 eV. Find (11.4) Monochromatic light of wavelength 632.8 nm
(a) the threshold frequency for caesium, and is produced by a helium-neon laser. The power
(b) the wavelength of the incident light if the emitted is 9.42 mW.
photocurrent is brought to zero by a stopping (a) Find the energy and momentum of each
potential of 0.60 V. [Ans. (a) 5.16 x 1014 photon in the light beam.
Hz (b) 454 nm] (b) How many photons per second, on the
Solution: average, arrive at a target irradiated by this
beam ? (Assume the beam to have uniform
(a) For the minimum, cut-off or threshold frequency,
cross-section which is less than the target
Energy hv0 of incident photon = Work function W0 area), and
W0 (c) How fast does a hydrogen atom have to
∴ v0 = h travel in order to have the same momentum as
2.14eV 2.14×1.6×10−19 J that of the photon ? [Ans. (a) 3.14 × 10–19J, 1.05
= 6.63×10−34 Js = 6.63×10−34 Js × 10–27 kg m/s (b) 3 × 1016 photons/s (c) 0.63
= 5.16 × 1014 Hz. m/s]
(b) When photoelectric current becomes zero, Solution:

Maximum K.E. of photoelectron Here λ = 632.8 nm = 632.8 × 10-9m,

= P.E. due to the stopping potential V0 P = 9.42 mW = 9.42 × 10-3W

hc (a) Energy of each photon.
or λ
- W0 = eV0
hc 6.63 × 10−34 × 3 × 108
hc E= =
or λ= λ 632.8 × 10−9
eV0 + W0
-19
6.63×10−34 Js×3×108 ms−1 = 3.14 × 10 J
= 0.60eV+2.14eV Momentum of each photon,
19.89×10−26 Jm 19.89×10−26 Jm
=
2.74eV
=
274×1.6×10−19 J
h 6.63 × 10−34
p= =
= 453.7 × 10-9m ≃ 453.7 nm. λ 632.8 × 10−9
= 1.05 × 10-27 kg ms-1.
Textbook Exercise:
(11.2) The work function of cesium metal is 2.14 eV. (b) Number of photons arriving per second at the target.
When light of frequency 6 × 1014 Hz is incident P 9.42 × 10−3
on the metal surface, photoemission of N= =
E 3.14 × 10−19
electrons occurs. What is the :
= 3 × 1016 photons per second.

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 Physics RS Academy

(c) Momentum of a hydrogen atom (11.10) Light of frequency 7.21 × 1014 Hz is incident on
= Momentum of a photon a metal surface. Electrons with a maximum
speed of 6.0 x 10- m/s are ejected from the
or mv = p surface. What is the threshold frequency for
∴ Velocity, photoemission of electrons ?
p 1.05×10−27 kgms−1 [Ans. 4.73 × 1014Hz]
v= = = 0.63 ms-1. Solution:
m 1.67×10−27 kg

(11.6) In an experiment on photoelectric effect, the Here v = 7.21 × 1014Hz, vmax = 6.0 × 105 ms-1
slope of the cut-off voltage versus frequency of From Einstein's photoelectric equation,
incident light is found to be 4.12 × 10-15Vs.
1 2
Calculate the value of Planck's constant. [Ans. Kmax = 2 mvmax
6.59 × 10–34 Js]
= hv - W0 = h(v - v0)
Solution:
1
mv2max
∆V 2
Here = 4.12 × 10 -15
Vs, e = 1.6 × 10 C -19 ∴ v - v0 =
∆v h
1×9.1×10−31 ×(6.0×105 )2
Planck's constant, = 2×6.63×10−34
ΔV -15 -19
h= ∆v
. e = 4.12 × 10 × 1.6 × 10 = 2.47 × 1014 Hz
= 6.592 × 10-34 Js. or v0 = v - 2.47 × 1014
(11.8) The threshold frequency for a certain metal is = 7.21 × 1014 - 2.47 × 1014
3.3 × 1014 Hz. If light of frequency 8.2 × 1014 = 4.74 × 1014 Hz.
Hz is incident on the metal, predict the cut of
(11.11) Light of wavelength 488 run is produced by an
voltage for photoelectric emission. Given h =
argon laser which is used in the photoelectric
6.63 × 10-34 Js and e = 1.6 × 10-19 C
effect. When light from this spectral line is
[Ans. 2.0 V]
incident on the cathode, the stopping (cut-off)
Solution:
potential of photoelectrons is 0.38 V. Find the
Here v0 = 3.3 × 1014 Hz, v = 8.2 × 1014 Hz, V0 = ? work function of the material from which the
Maximum K.E. of a photoelectron is cathode is made. [Ans. 2.16 eV
–19
= 3.46 × 10 J]
eV0 = hv – hv0
h(v – v0 ) Solution:
∴ V0 = e

=
6.63×10−34 ×(8.2−3.3)×1014 Here λ = 488 nm = 488 × 10-9m, V0 = 0.38 V
1.6×10−19
From Einstein's photoelectric equation,
= 2.03 V.
1 2
(11.9) The work function for a certain metal is 4.2 eV. Kmax = 2 mvmax = hv - W0
Will this metal give photoelectric emission for hc
or eV0 = λ
- W0
incident radiation of wavelength 330 nm ?
[Ans. No, because ν < νo] ∴ W0 =
hc
- eV0
λ
Solution:
6.63×10−34 ×3×108
Here W0 = 4.2 eV, λ = 330 nm - 330 × 10-9 m = 488×10−9
- 1.6 × 10-19 × 0.38

Energy of incident photon,

hc 6.63×10−34 ×3×108 = 4.076 × 10-19 - 0.608 × 10-19
E= λ
= 330×10−9
J
= 3.468 × 10-19J
6.63×3×10−17
= 330×1.6×10−10
eV = 3.767 eV or W0 = 3.47 × 10-19 J = 2.17 eV.
As the energy of incident photon is less than the
work function of the metal, there will be no
photoelectric emission.

Ronak Shah - 9428239499 Page 4 of 4

 RS Academy
135, Saman Complex, Mansi Circle,
Satellite, Ahmedabad
STD : 11 and 12 (GSEB/CBSE)

Lecture 11.3 (De-Broglie's Hypothesis)

Matter Waves (de-Broglie Waves) 4) Ratio of wavelength of photon and electron :

According to de-Broglie a moving material particle The wavelength of a photon of energy E is given by
sometimes acts as a wave and sometimes as a hc
ph 
particle. E
The wave associated with moving particle is called While the wavelength of an electron of kinetic
matter wave or de-Broglie wave and it propagates h
energy K is given by c  . Therefore, for the
in the form of wave packets with group velocity. 2mK
1) de-Broglie wavelength : According to de-Broglie same energy,
theory, the wavelength of de-Broglie wave is given  ph c 2mc 2 K
the ratio  2mK 
by e E E2

h h h 1 1 1 Note:
      λ is smaller for a heavier particle ( large m) or more
p mv 2mE p v E
energetic particle (large v). For example, the de Broglie
Where h = Plank's constant, m = Mass of the
wavelength of a ball of mass 0.12 kg moving
particle, v = Speed of the particle, E = Energy of the
with a speed of 20 m s–1 is easily calculated:
particle.
The smallest wavelength whose measurement is
possible is that of  -rays.
The wavelength of matter waves associated with
the microscopic particles like electron, proton,
This wavelength is so small that it is beyond any
neutron, -particle etc. is of the order of 10 10 m.
measurement. This is the reason why macroscopic
2) de-Broglie wavelength associated with the
objects in our daily life do not show wave-like
charged particles : The energy of a charged properties. On the other hand, in the sub-atomic domain,
particle accelerated through potential difference V the wave character of particles is significant and
is E  1 mv 2  qV measurable.
2 Textbook Examples:
Hence de-Broglie wavelength (11.4) What is the de Broglie wavelength associated
h
 
h

h with (a) an electron moving with a speed of
p 2mE 2mqV 5.4×106 m/s, and (b) a ball of mass 150 g
12 . 27 0 . 286 travelling at 30.0 m/s? [Ans. (a) 0.135 nm (b)
Electron  Å, Proton  Å,
V V 1.47 ×10–34 m]
0 . 202 0 . 101 Solution:
Deutron  Å,   particle  Å
V V ℎ 6.63×10−34
(i) 𝜆𝑒 = 𝑚 = 9.11×10−31 ×5.4×106
3) de-Broglie wavelength associated with 𝑒 𝑣𝑒
= 0.135 × 10-9m = 0.135 nm.
uncharged particles : For Neutron de-Broglie ℎ 6.63×10−34
wavelength is given as (ii) 𝜆𝑏 = 𝑚 = = 1.47 × 10−34 m.
𝑏 𝑣𝑏 0.150×30.0
0 .286  10 10 0 .286 Textbook Exercise:
Neutron  m Å (11.1) Find the : (a) maximum frequency, and (b)
E (in eV ) E (in eV )
minimum wavelength of X-rays produced by
Energy of thermal neutrons at ordinary temperature
h 30 kV electrons. [Ans. (a) 7.24 × 1018
 E  kT    ; where T = Absolute Hz (b) 0.041nm]
2mk T
temperature, k = Boltzman's constant = 1 .38  10 23 Solution:
Joule/kelvin, (a) Maximum energy of X-ray photon
So, = Maximum energy of an accelerated electron or hvmax
6 .62  10 34 30 .83
= eV
 Thermal neutron   Å eV 1.6×10−19 ×30×103
2  1 .67  10  27
 1 .38  10  23
T T ∴ vmax = h
= 6.63×10−34

Ronak Shah - 9428239499 Page 1 of 2

 Physics RS Academy

= 7.24 × 1018 Hz.

c 3×108
(b) λmin =v = 7.24×1018 =0.0414 × 10 9m
max
=0.0414 nm.
(11.15) What is the de Broglie wavelength of
(a) a bullet of mass 0.040 kg travelling at the
speed of 1.0 km/s,
(b) a ball of mass 0.060 kg moving at a speed
of 1.0 m/s, and
(c) a dust particle of mass 1.0 × 10-9 kg drifting
with a speed of 22 m/s ? [Ans. (a) 1.7 × 10–35
m (b) 1.1 × 10–32 m (c) 3.0 × 10–23 m]
Solution:
h
de Broglie wavelength, λ = mv
6.63×10−34
(a) λbullet = 0.040×1.0×103 = 1.7 × 10-35m.
6.63 × 10−34
(b) λball = 0.060 × 1.0
= 1.1 × 10-32m.
6.63 × 10−34
(c) λparticle = 1.0×10−9 ×2.2 = 3.0 × 10-25
m.
(11.18) Show that the wavelength of electromagnetic
radiation is equal to the de Broglie wavelength
of its quantum (photon). [c /ν]
Solution:
For a photon,
h
de Broglie wavelength, λ = p.
For an electromagnetic radiation of frequency v and
wavelength λ' (= c/v),
Momentum,
E hv
p=c= c
h c h
or p= . =
c λ’ λ’
h
Then, λ' =p=λ
Thus the wavelength λ' of the electromagnetic radiation
is the same as the de Broglie wavelength λ of the
photon..

Ronak Shah - 9428239499 Page 2 of 2

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