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Q.How does Einstein's photoelectric equation explain the emission of electrons from a metal surface? Explain briefly. Plot the variation of photocurrent with :

(a) collector plate potential for different intensities of incident radiation, and
(b) intensity of incident radiation.
CBSECBSE Class XII Board 2023Subjective· 3mImportance★★★★★
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Figure — Part (a) asks to plot photocurrent vs collector plate potential for different intensities; the catalog figure
Figure — Part (a) asks to plot photocurrent vs collector plate potential for different intensities; the catalog figure

Einstein's photoelectric equation Kmax=hν−ϕK_{\text{max}} = h\nu - \phi treats light as quanta (photons), each transferring energy hνh\nu to a single electron; emission occurs only when hν≥ϕh\nu \geq \phi (the work function). Photocurrent depends on intensity (number of photons) but saturation and stopping potential depend only on frequency.

The Conceptual Breakthrough

Classical wave theory predicted that any frequency of light, given enough time, should eject electrons from a metal surface—the wave would gradually transfer energy until the electron escaped. Experiments shattered this picture: below a threshold frequency ν0\nu_0, no electrons emerged, no matter how intense the light or how long you waited. Bright red light on certain metals produced nothing; dim violet light instantly released electrons.

Einstein resolved this by proposing that light arrives in discrete packets—photons—each carrying energy E=hνE = h\nu, where hh is Planck's constant. When a photon strikes an electron in the metal, it delivers all its energy in a single quantum event. The electron uses part of this energy (the work function ϕ\phi) to escape the metal's surface; whatever remains becomes kinetic energy.

This leads directly to Einstein's photoelectric equation:

Kmax=hν−ϕK_{\text{max}} = h\nu - \phi

where Kmax=12mvmax2K_{\text{max}} = \frac{1}{2}m v_{\text{max}}^2 is the maximum kinetic energy of emitted electrons.

Why Electrons Are Emitted

  1. Photon absorption is instantaneous: A single photon–electron collision transfers energy hνh\nu in about 10−910^{-9} seconds. No accumulation over time.

  2. Threshold condition: For emission, the photon energy must at least match the work function:

hν≥ϕ⇒ν≥ν0=ϕhh\nu \geq \phi \quad \Rightarrow \quad \nu \geq \nu_0 = \frac{\phi}{h}

Below ν0\nu_0, each photon is too "weak" to liberate an electron, regardless of how many photons arrive (intensity).

  1. Kinetic energy depends only on frequency: Once ν>ν0\nu > \nu_0, the surplus energy hν−ϕh\nu - \phi becomes the electron's kinetic energy. Doubling the intensity doubles the number of photons (hence the number of emitted electrons, i.e., current) but does not change the energy per photon—so KmaxK_{\text{max}} stays the same.

  2. Intensity controls photocurrent: Higher intensity means more photons per second, so more electrons ejected per second, yielding larger photocurrent II.

Watch out

A common mistake is thinking that brighter light (higher intensity) will eventually eject electrons even below threshold frequency. It won't—each photon still lacks the minimum energy ϕ\phi, and photons don't "pool" their energy.


(a) Photocurrent vs. Collector Plate Potential (for Different Intensities)

When we apply a potential VV between the emitter and collector plate, we can either assist or retard the emitted electrons.

Setup: Fix the frequency ν>ν0\nu > \nu_0; vary the collector potential VV (positive or negative relative to the emitter); measure photocurrent II.

Physical reasoning:

  • Positive (accelerating) potential: Electrons are pulled toward the collector. Even the slowest electrons reach it. Current quickly saturates at IsatI_{\text{sat}} when all emitted electrons are collected. Increasing VV further doesn't increase II because you can't collect more electrons than are being emitted.

  • Negative (retarding) potential: Electrons are repelled. Only those with kinetic energy K≥eVK \geq eV (where ee is electron charge) can overcome the barrier and reach the collector. As VV becomes more negative, fewer electrons make it through; current drops.

  • Stopping potential V0V_0: The (negative) potential at which even the fastest electrons (with KmaxK_{\text{max}}) are turned back, so I=0I = 0. Energy balance gives:

eV0=Kmax=hν−ϕeV_0 = K_{\text{max}} = h\nu - \phi

Crucially, V0V_0 depends only on ν\nu, not on intensity.

Effect of intensity (at fixed ν\nu):

  • Higher intensity ⇒\Rightarrow more photons ⇒\Rightarrow more electrons emitted per second ⇒\Rightarrow higher saturation current IsatI_{\text{sat}}.
  • But V0V_0 remains the same, because KmaxK_{\text{max}} is unchanged.

Graph description: with photocurrent II on the vertical axis and collector potential VV on the horizontal axis, the three curves (one per intensity I1<I2<I3I_1<I_2<I_3) all pass through zero current at the same point V=−V0V=-V_0, rise through V=0V=0, and flatten into horizontal saturation plateaus — the highest plateau for I3I_3, the lowest for I1I_1. Only the saturation heights differ between the three curves; the point where each curve crosses the axis is identical. …

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