The photoelectric effect describes the emission of electrons when light shines on a material. Einstein's photoelectric equation explains the relationship between the energy of incident photons, the work function of the material, and the kinetic energy of the emitted electrons. We need to identify which property of light directly influences the maximum kinetic energy of these electrons.
Correct Option: B) the frequency of incident light.
The de Broglie hypothesis states that all matter exhibits wave-like properties, and the wavelength associated with a particle (de Broglie wavelength) is inversely proportional to its momentum. We need to determine which particle, when moving at the same velocity, will have the longest wavelength. This requires comparing their masses.
where \( h \) is Planck's constant and \( p \) is the momentum of the particle.
This means that the particle with the smallest mass will have the longest de Broglie wavelength.
Correct Option: C) Electron — The de Broglie wavelength is given by \( \lambda = h/(mv) \). For a constant velocity \( v \), the wavelength \( \lambda \) is inversely proportional to the mass \( m \). The electron has the smallest mass among the given particles, and therefore, it will have the longest de Broglie wavelength.
The question asks for the definition of the work function of a metal. The work function is a fundamental concept in the photoelectric effect, describing the energy required to liberate an electron from a metal surface.
B) the minimum energy required to remove an electron from the metal surface. This accurately defines the work function. It is the threshold energy an electron needs to overcome the binding forces and escape the metal.
Einstein’s explanation of the photoelectric effect provided evidence for which property of light?
Light as a wave
Light as a particle
Light as a continuous spectrum
Light as a transverse wave
The question asks about Einstein's explanation of the photoelectric effect and what property of light it provided evidence for. We need to recall the key aspects of the photoelectric effect and Einstein's interpretation.
B) Light as a particle — Einstein's explanation of the photoelectric effect, proposing that light consists of discrete energy packets called photons, directly supported the particle nature of light. This was a revolutionary idea that helped establish the concept of wave-particle duality.
The question asks about the physical meaning of the wave function in quantum mechanics. We need to recall the fundamental interpretation of the wave function as described by Max Born.
Correct Option: B) Probability amplitude
The wave function \(\psi(x, t)\) is a complex-valued function whose square of its absolute value, \(|\psi(x, t)|^2\), represents the probability density of finding the particle at position \(x\) and time \(t\). Thus, \(\psi\) itself is the probability amplitude.
The question asks to identify which statement is NOT a property of photons. We need to recall the fundamental characteristics of photons as elementary particles of light.
Based on the analysis, the statement that is NOT a property of photons is that they have a positive charge.
Correct Option: C) They have a positive charge