CHAPTER 11: DUAL NATURE OF RADIATION AND MATTER - Complete Assignments

CHAPTER 11: DUAL NATURE OF RADIATION AND MATTER

Grounded in Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan Class XII Physics Support Material 2026–27

SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER (ASSIGNMENT-1)

Time Allowed: 2 Hours  |  Maximum Marks: 70
  • There are 33 questions in all. All questions are compulsory.
  • Section A: Q1–14 are MCQs and Q15–16 are Assertion-Reasoning questions of 1 mark each.
  • Section B: Q17–21 are Very Short Answer questions of 2 marks each.
  • Section C: Q22–28 are Short Answer questions of 3 marks each.
  • Section D: Q29–30 are Case Study-based questions of 4 marks each.
  • Section E: Q31–33 are Long Answer questions of 5 marks each.
  • Physical Constants: $\displaystyle {h = 6.63 \times 10^{-34}\text{ J}\cdot\text{s}}$, $\displaystyle {c = 3 \times 10^8\text{ m/s}}$, $\displaystyle {e = 1.6 \times 10^{-19}\text{ C}}$, $\displaystyle {m_e = 9.11 \times 10^{-31}\text{ kg}}$, $\displaystyle {m_p = 1.67 \times 10^{-27}\text{ kg}}$, $\displaystyle {hc = 12400\text{ eV}\cdot\text{\AA}}$.

SECTION A (16 Marks)

Q.1. The work function of a metal is $\displaystyle {4.2\text{ eV}}$. Its threshold wavelength is nearly:

(a) $\displaystyle {2955\text{ \AA}}$
(b) $\displaystyle {5955\text{ \AA}}$
(c) $\displaystyle {4200\text{ \AA}}$
(d) $\displaystyle {1240\text{ \AA}}$
Answer: (a) $\displaystyle {2955\text{ \AA}}$
Explanation: $\displaystyle {\lambda_0 = {\frac{{hc}}{{\phi_0}}} = {\frac{{12400\text{ eV}\cdot\text{\AA}}}{{4.2\text{ eV}}}} \approx 2952.4\text{ \AA} \approx 2955\text{ \AA}}$.

Q.2. Photoelectric current is directly proportional to the:

(a) Frequency of incident light
(b) Intensity of incident light
(c) Work function of metal
(d) Stopping potential
Answer: (b) Intensity of incident light
Explanation: Higher intensity implies a greater number of incident photons per second, which ejects a proportionally higher number of photoelectrons per second above threshold frequency.

Q.3. The slope of the stopping potential ($\displaystyle {V_0}$) versus frequency ($\displaystyle {\nu}$) graph gives:

(a) $\displaystyle {e/h}$
(b) $\displaystyle {h/e}$
(c) $\displaystyle {h}$
(d) $\displaystyle {\phi_0/e}$
Answer: (b) $\displaystyle {h/e}$
Explanation: From Einstein's equation, $\displaystyle {e V_0 = h \nu - \phi_0 \implies V_0 = {\left({\frac{{h}}{{e}}}\right)} \nu - {\frac{{\phi_0}}{{e}}}}$. Comparing with $\displaystyle {y = m x + c}$, the slope is $\displaystyle {m = h/e}$.

Q.4. The de Broglie wavelength of a particle of momentum $\displaystyle {p}$ is given by:

(a) $\displaystyle {\lambda = h/p}$
(b) $\displaystyle {\lambda = p/h}$
(c) $\displaystyle {\lambda = h p}$
(d) $\displaystyle {\lambda = m c^2/h}$
Answer: (a) $\displaystyle {\lambda = h/p}$
Explanation: According to de Broglie's matter wave hypothesis, wavelength is inversely proportional to momentum: $\displaystyle {\lambda = h/p = h/(m v)}$.

Q.5. An electron and a proton are accelerated through the same potential difference $\displaystyle {V}$. The ratio $\displaystyle {\lambda_e / \lambda_p}$ of their de Broglie wavelengths is:

(a) $\displaystyle {1}$
(b) $\displaystyle {\sqrt{m_p / m_e}}$
(c) $\displaystyle {\sqrt{m_e / m_p}}$
(d) $\displaystyle {m_p / m_e}$
Answer: (b) $\displaystyle {\sqrt{m_p / m_e}}$
Explanation: For charge $\displaystyle {q}$ accelerated through $\displaystyle {V}$, $\displaystyle {\lambda = {\frac{{h}}{{\sqrt{2 m q V}}}}}$. Since $\displaystyle {q_e = q_p = e}$, $\displaystyle {\lambda \propto 1/\sqrt{m} \implies \lambda_e / \lambda_p = \sqrt{m_p / m_e}}$.

Q.6. Einstein's photoelectric equation expressing conservation of energy is:

(a) $\displaystyle {h \nu = \phi_0 + KE_{\max}}$
(b) $\displaystyle {h \nu = \phi_0 - KE_{\max}}$
(c) $\displaystyle {h \nu = KE_{\max} - \phi_0}$
(d) $\displaystyle {\phi_0 = h \nu + KE_{\max}}$
Answer: (a) $\displaystyle {h \nu = \phi_0 + KE_{\max}}$
Explanation: Incident photon energy $\displaystyle {h\nu}$ is spent in two parts: work function $\displaystyle {\phi_0}$ (to free the electron) and maximum kinetic energy $\displaystyle {KE_{\max}}$ of the emitted electron.

Q.7. Which of the following elementary particles has zero rest mass?

(a) Electron
(b) Proton
(c) Photon
(d) Neutron
Answer: (c) Photon
Explanation: A photon is a quantum of electromagnetic energy and moves always at speed $\displaystyle {c}$ in vacuum; its rest mass $\displaystyle {m_0 = 0}$.

Q.8. The Davisson–Germer experiment historically demonstrated:

(a) The photoelectric effect
(b) The wave nature of electrons
(c) The particle nature of light
(d) The Compton effect
Answer: (b) The wave nature of electrons
Explanation: Observing electron diffraction from a nickel crystal target verified de Broglie's matter wave hypothesis quantitatively.

Q.9. The relativistic/quantum momentum $\displaystyle {p}$ of a photon of energy $\displaystyle {E}$ is:

(a) $\displaystyle {E/c}$
(b) $\displaystyle {E c}$
(c) $\displaystyle {E/c^2}$
(d) $\displaystyle {c/E}$
Answer: (a) $\displaystyle {E/c}$
Explanation: From mass-energy-momentum relation $\displaystyle {E = p c \implies p = E/c = h\nu / c = h / \lambda}$.

Q.10. If frequency of incident light is increased above threshold while keeping intensity constant, the number of photoelectrons emitted per second:

(a) Increases
(b) Decreases
(c) Remains the same
(d) Becomes zero
Answer: (c) Remains the same
Explanation: Number of emitted photoelectrons per second depends strictly on the rate of arriving photons (intensity), not on their frequency once $\displaystyle {\nu \ge \nu_0}$.

Q.11. For photoelectric emission to occur from a photosensitive surface, the frequency $\displaystyle {\nu}$ of incident light must be:

(a) Equal to threshold frequency
(b) Less than threshold frequency
(c) Greater than or equal to threshold frequency
(d) Independent of threshold frequency
Answer: (c) Greater than or equal to threshold frequency
Explanation: Emission requires photon energy $\displaystyle {h\nu \ge \phi_0 = h\nu_0 \implies \nu \ge \nu_0}$.

Q.12. A photocell operates fundamentally on the principle of:

(a) Photoelectric effect
(b) Compton effect
(c) Thermionic emission
(d) Field emission
Answer: (a) Photoelectric effect

Q.13. The de Broglie wavelength associated with a ball of mass $\displaystyle {1\text{ kg}}$ moving at speed $\displaystyle {1\text{ m/s}}$ is of the order of:

(a) $\displaystyle {10^{-34}\text{ m}}$
(b) $\displaystyle {10^{-24}\text{ m}}$
(c) $\displaystyle {10^{-10}\text{ m}}$
(d) $\displaystyle {10^{-6}\text{ m}}$
Answer: (a) $\displaystyle {10^{-34}\text{ m}}$
Explanation: $\displaystyle {\lambda = {\frac{{h}}{{m v}}} = {\frac{{6.63 \times 10^{-34}}}{{1 \times 1}}} = 6.63 \times 10^{-34}\text{ m} \sim 10^{-34}\text{ m}}$.

Q.14. Two metals A and B have threshold frequencies $\displaystyle {\nu_0}$ and $\displaystyle {2\nu_0}$ respectively. The work function of A compared to B is:

(a) Half
(b) Double
(c) The same
(d) Four times
Answer: (a) Half
Explanation: $\displaystyle {\phi_A = h \nu_0}$ and $\displaystyle {\phi_B = h (2\nu_0) = 2 \phi_A \implies \phi_A / \phi_B = 1/2}$.

Directions for Q.15 & Q.16:
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is correct explanation of A.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is NOT correct explanation of A.
(c) Assertion is true but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false but Reason is true.

Q.15. Assertion (A): Photoelectric effect cannot be explained on the basis of the wave theory of light.
Reason (R): According to wave theory, energy is distributed continuously over the wavefront and does not depend on frequency.

Answer: (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is correct explanation of A
Explanation: Continuous wave energy prediction fails to account for instantaneous emission and the existence of a threshold frequency.

Q.16. Assertion (A): The de Broglie wavelength of a moving electron decreases as its speed increases.
Reason (R): The de Broglie wavelength is directly proportional to the momentum of the particle.

Answer: (c) Assertion is true but Reason is false
Explanation: Assertion is true ($\lambda \propto 1/v$), but Reason is false because de Broglie wavelength is inversely proportional to momentum ($\lambda = h/p$).

SECTION B (10 Marks)

Q.17. State two important features of the photon picture of electromagnetic radiation.

Answer:
1. Radiation interacts with matter as discrete packets of energy called photons, each possessing energy $\displaystyle {E = h\nu}$ and momentum $\displaystyle {p = h/\lambda}$.
2. Photons are electrically neutral and unaffected by electric or magnetic fields; in photon-particle collisions, total energy and momentum are conserved.

Q.18. The threshold wavelength for photoelectric emission from a metal is $\displaystyle {5200\text{ \AA}}$. Calculate the work function of the metal in $\displaystyle {\text{eV}}$.

Answer: $\displaystyle {\phi_0 = {\frac{{hc}}{{\lambda_0}}} = {\frac{{12400\text{ eV}\cdot\text{\AA}}}{{5200\text{ \AA}}}} \approx 2.38\text{ eV}}$.

Q.19. Why does photoelectric current increase with an increase in intensity of incident radiation, while stopping potential remains unchanged? Explain.

Answer: Increasing intensity increases the number of incident photons per second, ejecting a proportionally higher number of photoelectrons per second (higher photocurrent). However, stopping potential $\displaystyle {V_0}$ measures maximum kinetic energy ($\displaystyle {e V_0 = h\nu - \phi_0}$), which depends only on photon frequency $\displaystyle {\nu}$ and work function $\displaystyle {\phi_0}$, independent of intensity.

Q.20. Derive the expression for the de Broglie wavelength of an electron accelerated from rest through a potential difference $\displaystyle {V}$.

Answer: Kinetic energy gained by electron: $\displaystyle {K = e V}$.
Momentum: $\displaystyle {p = \sqrt{2 m_e K} = \sqrt{2 m_e e V}}$.
de Broglie Wavelength: $\displaystyle {\lambda = {\frac{{h}}{{p}}} = {\frac{{h}}{{\sqrt{2 m_e e V}}}}}$.
Substituting standard numerical constants ($\displaystyle {h, m_e, e}$): $\displaystyle {\lambda = {\frac{{12.27}}{{\sqrt{V}}}}\text{ \AA} = {\frac{{1.227}}{{\sqrt{V}}}}\text{ nm}}$.

Q.21. Sketch a graph showing the variation of stopping potential ($\displaystyle {V_0}$) with frequency ($\displaystyle {\nu}$) of incident radiation for two photosensitive materials M1 and M2 ($\displaystyle {\phi_1 < \phi_2}$). What physical quantity does the slope represent?

[ Image Space Placeholder: Stopping Potential V0 vs Frequency nu Graph for Two Metals ] Graph showing two parallel straight lines for M1 and M2 with positive slope h/e cutting frequency axis at threshold frequencies nu01 and nu02.
Answer: Both curves are parallel straight lines intersecting the frequency axis at threshold frequencies $\displaystyle {\nu_{01}}$ and $\displaystyle {\nu_{02}}$. The common slope equals the universal ratio $\displaystyle {h/e}$ ($\displaystyle {\text{Planck's constant}} / \text{electronic charge}$).

SECTION C (21 Marks)

Q.22. State Einstein's photoelectric equation. Using it, explain: (i) why maximum kinetic energy is independent of intensity, and (ii) why there exists a threshold frequency for a given metal.

Answer: Equation: $\displaystyle {KE_{\max} = h \nu - \phi_0}$.
(i) Each photon interacts with a single electron transferring fixed energy $\displaystyle {h\nu}$. Increasing intensity increases photon quantity but not energy per photon, leaving $\displaystyle {KE_{\max}}$ unchanged.
(ii) For emission, $\displaystyle {KE_{\max} \ge 0 \implies h\nu \ge \phi_0 \implies \nu \ge \phi_0/h}$. If $\displaystyle {\nu < \nu_0 = \phi_0/h}$, emission cannot occur regardless of light intensity.

Q.23. Light of wavelength $\displaystyle {4000\text{ \AA}}$ falls on a metal surface of work function $\displaystyle {2.0\text{ eV}}$. Calculate: (i) threshold frequency, and (ii) maximum kinetic energy of emitted photoelectrons.

Answer:
(i) $\displaystyle {\nu_0 = {\frac{{\phi_0}}{{h}}} = {\frac{{2.0 \times 1.6 \times 10^{-19}\text{ J}}}{{6.63 \times 10^{-34}\text{ J}\cdot\text{s}}}} \approx 4.83 \times 10^{14}\text{ Hz}}$.
(ii) Incident photon energy $\displaystyle {E = {\frac{{hc}}{{\lambda}}} = {\frac{{12400}}{{4000}}} = 3.1\text{ eV}}$.
$\displaystyle {KE_{\max} = E - \phi_0 = 3.1\text{ eV} - 2.0\text{ eV} = 1.1\text{ eV} = 1.76 \times 10^{-19}\text{ J}}$.

Q.24. Describe briefly, with a labeled diagram, the Davisson–Germer experiment. State its historical significance in quantum physics.

[ Image Space Placeholder: Davisson-Germer Experimental Setup Diagram ] Diagram showing electron gun, accelerating anodes, nickel crystal target, and movable ionization chamber detector on circular scale.
Answer: An electron beam accelerated through $\displaystyle {54\text{ V}}$ struck a nickel crystal target. A peak in scattered electron intensity appeared at angle $\displaystyle {\phi = 50^\circ}$. Bragg diffraction gave experimental wavelength $\displaystyle {\lambda = 1.65\text{ \AA}}$, matching de Broglie's theoretical value $\displaystyle {\lambda = 12.27/\sqrt{54} = 1.66\text{ \AA}}$. Significance: Confirmed the wave nature of matter.

Q.25. An electron and a photon each possess energy $\displaystyle {100\text{ eV}}$. Calculate and compare their associated de Broglie wavelengths.

Answer:
Photon ($\displaystyle {E = 100\text{ eV}}$): $\displaystyle {\lambda_p = {\frac{{hc}}{{E}}} = {\frac{{12400\text{ eV}\cdot\text{\AA}}}{{100\text{ eV}}}} = 124\text{ \AA}}$.
Electron ($\displaystyle {V = 100\text{ V}}$): $\displaystyle {\lambda_e = {\frac{{12.27}}{{\sqrt{100}}}}\text{ \AA} = 1.227\text{ \AA}}$.
Comparison: $\displaystyle {\lambda_p / \lambda_e = 124 / 1.227 \approx 101}$. The photon's wavelength is approximately 100 times larger than the electron's for the same energy.

Q.26. The graph below shows variation of photoelectric current with collector plate potential for two intensities $\displaystyle {I_1}$ and $\displaystyle {I_2}$ ($\displaystyle {I_2 > I_1}$) at constant frequency. Explain why saturation currents differ while stopping potential is identical.

[ Image Space Placeholder: Photoelectric Current vs Collector Potential Graph ] Graph showing two curves for intensities I1 and I2 merging at negative stopping potential -V0 on left and flattening to different saturation currents on right.
Answer: Saturation current depends on the rate of emitted photoelectrons, which is higher for higher intensity $\displaystyle {I_2}$. Stopping potential $\displaystyle {V_0}$ depends strictly on maximum kinetic energy ($\displaystyle {e V_0 = h\nu - \phi_0}$), which is set by the common frequency $\displaystyle {\nu}$, so both curves intersect at the same $\displaystyle {-V_0}$.

Q.27. Starting from the photon relation $\displaystyle {E = h\nu}$, derive the expression for photon momentum and show its consistency with de Broglie relation $\displaystyle {\lambda = h/p}$.

Answer: For a photon, mass-energy equivalence yields $\displaystyle {E = p c}$. Since $\displaystyle {E = h\nu = h c / \lambda}$, equating gives $\displaystyle {p c = h c / \lambda \implies p = h / \lambda \implies \lambda = h / p}$. This shows photon momentum aligns with de Broglie's matter wave formula.

Q.28. A metal surface is illuminated successively by light of wavelengths $\displaystyle {300\text{ nm}}$ and $\displaystyle {400\text{ nm}}$. The maximum speeds of emitted photoelectrons are $\displaystyle {v_1}$ and $\displaystyle {v_2}$ respectively, with $\displaystyle {v_1 = 2 v_2}$. Calculate the work function of the metal.

Answer: Photon energies: $\displaystyle {E_1 = 1240 / 300 = 4.133\text{ eV}}$, $\displaystyle {E_2 = 1240 / 400 = 3.10\text{ eV}}$.
Since $\displaystyle {v_1 = 2 v_2}$, $\displaystyle {KE_1 = 4 KE_2}$.
$\displaystyle {E_1 - \phi_0 = 4(E_2 - \phi_0) \implies 4.133 - \phi_0 = 4(3.10) - 4\phi_0 = 12.40 - 4\phi_0}$.
$\displaystyle {3\phi_0 = 12.40 - 4.133 = 8.267 \implies \phi_0 \approx 2.76\text{ eV}}$.

SECTION D: CASE STUDY QUESTIONS (8 Marks)

Q.29. Case Study 1: Photoelectric Effect & Stopping Potential Analysis.

In an experiment measuring stopping potential $\displaystyle {V_0}$ against frequency $\displaystyle {\nu}$ for a photosensitive metal, recorded values were:

$\displaystyle {\nu \,(\times 10^{14}\text{ Hz}): 5.0 \quad 6.0 \quad 7.0 \quad 8.0}$
$\displaystyle {V_0 \,(\text{V}): 0.00 \quad 0.41 \quad 0.83 \quad 1.24}$

(i) Threshold frequency $\displaystyle {\nu_0}$ of metal: (a) $\displaystyle {5.0 \times 10^{14}\text{ Hz}}$    (b) $\displaystyle {6.0 \times 10^{14}\text{ Hz}}$
(ii) Slope $\displaystyle {h/e}$ calculated from data: (a) $\displaystyle {4.13 \times 10^{-15}\text{ V}\cdot\text{s}}$    (b) $\displaystyle {1.6 \times 10^{-19}\text{ V}\cdot\text{s}}$
(iii) Work function $\displaystyle {\phi_0}$ in eV: (a) $\displaystyle {2.07\text{ eV}}$    (b) $\displaystyle {4.14\text{ eV}}$
(iv) If frequency increases beyond $\displaystyle {8 \times 10^{14}\text{ Hz}}$ at constant intensity: (a) $\displaystyle {V_0}$ increases linearly, current constant    (b) Both increase

Answers:
(i) (a) $\displaystyle {5.0 \times 10^{14}\text{ Hz}}$ (where $\displaystyle {V_0 = 0}$).
(ii) (a) $\displaystyle {\text{Slope} = \Delta V_0 / \Delta \nu = 1.24 / (3.0 \times 10^{14}) = 4.13 \times 10^{-15}\text{ V}\cdot\text{s}}$.
(iii) (a) $\displaystyle {\phi_0 = (h/e)\nu_0 = 4.13 \times 10^{-15} \times 5.0 \times 10^{14} = 2.07\text{ eV}}$.
(iv) (a) Stopping potential increases linearly while saturation current remains constant.

Q.30. Case Study 2: Matter Waves & de Broglie Wavelength.

Louis de Broglie proposed that moving particles exhibit wave properties with wavelength $\displaystyle {\lambda = h/p}$.

(i) Expression for de Broglie wavelength of particle of mass $\displaystyle {m}$ and kinetic energy $\displaystyle {K}$: (a) $\displaystyle {h/\sqrt{2mK}}$    (b) $\displaystyle {\sqrt{2mK}/h}$
(ii) If electron and proton have equal kinetic energy, longer wavelength belongs to: (a) Electron    (b) Proton
(iii) de Broglie wavelength of electron accelerated through $\displaystyle {150\text{ V}}$: (a) $\displaystyle {1.00\text{ \AA}}$    (b) $\displaystyle {12.27\text{ \AA}}$

Answers:
(i) (a) $\displaystyle {\lambda = h/\sqrt{2mK}}$.
(ii) (a) Electron ($\displaystyle {\lambda \propto 1/\sqrt{m}}$, smaller mass gives longer wavelength).
(iii) (a) $\displaystyle {\lambda = 12.27 / \sqrt{150} \approx 1.00\text{ \AA}}$.

SECTION E (15 Marks)

Q.31. (a) State the laws of photoelectric emission. Explain how Einstein's equation accounts for each law.
(b) Draw graphs showing variation of: (i) photoelectric current with intensity at constant frequency, and (ii) stopping potential with frequency.

OR

Derive Einstein's photoelectric equation from photon-electron interaction and sketch the corresponding experimental graphs.

Answer:
Laws & Explanation:
1. Photocurrent $\displaystyle {\propto}$ Intensity: More photons per second eject more electrons per second.
2. Existence of Threshold Frequency: Emission requires $\displaystyle {h\nu \ge \phi_0 \implies \nu \ge \nu_0 = \phi_0/h}$.
3. $\displaystyle {KE_{\max} \propto \nu}$, independent of intensity: Energy per photon is $\displaystyle {h\nu}$, independent of photon count.
4. Instantaneous emission ($\displaystyle {\sim 10^{-9}\text{ s}}$): Single photon-electron collision transfers energy instantaneously.
Graphs: (i) Linear line through origin for current vs intensity. (ii) Straight line with positive slope $\displaystyle {h/e}$ cutting frequency axis at $\displaystyle {\nu_0}$.

Q.32. Work function of caesium is $\displaystyle {2.14\text{ eV}}$.
(i) Find threshold frequency.
(ii) If light of frequency $\displaystyle {6 \times 10^{14}\text{ Hz}}$ is incident, calculate stopping potential and maximum speed of emitted photoelectrons.

OR

(i) Derive $\displaystyle {\lambda = h/\sqrt{2meV}}$. (ii) Calculate wavelength for $\displaystyle {100\text{ V}}$ electron. (iii) Compare with proton accelerated through $\displaystyle {100\text{ V}}$.

Answer:
(i) $\displaystyle {\nu_0 = \phi_0 / h = (2.14 \times 1.6 \times 10^{-19}) / (6.63 \times 10^{-34}) = 5.16 \times 10^{14}\text{ Hz}}$.
(ii) Incident photon energy $\displaystyle {E = h\nu = 6.63 \times 10^{-34} \times 6 \times 10^{14} = 3.978 \times 10^{-19}\text{ J} = 2.486\text{ eV}}$.
$\displaystyle {KE_{\max} = 2.486 - 2.14 = 0.346\text{ eV} \implies \text{Stopping Potential } V_0 = 0.346\text{ V}}$.
$\displaystyle {v_{\max} = \sqrt{2 KE_{\max} / m_e} = \sqrt{(2 \times 0.346 \times 1.6 \times 10^{-19}) / (9.11 \times 10^{-31})} \approx 3.49 \times 10^5\text{ m/s}}$.
OR Part: (ii) $\displaystyle {\lambda_e = 12.27/\sqrt{100} = 1.227\text{ \AA}}$. (iii) $\displaystyle {\lambda_p = \lambda_e \sqrt{m_e/m_p} = 1.227 / \sqrt{1836} \approx 0.0286\text{ \AA}}$.

Q.33. What is meant by wave–particle duality? Describe the Davisson–Germer experiment with a diagram and explain how it confirms electron wave nature.

OR

A monochromatic beam of wavelength $\displaystyle {663\text{ nm}}$ and power $\displaystyle {3\text{ mW}}$ is incident on a metal surface of work function $\displaystyle {1.5\text{ eV}}$. Assuming 1% photon efficiency, find photoelectrons emitted per second and maximum kinetic energy.

[ Image Space Placeholder: De Broglie Standing Wave Orbit Condition Diagram ] Diagram showing circular electron orbit containing integral number of standing de Broglie wavelengths 2pi r = n lambda.
Answer:
OR Part Calculations:
Photon Energy: $\displaystyle {E = hc/\lambda = (6.63 \times 10^{-34} \times 3 \times 10^8) / (663 \times 10^{-9}) = 3 \times 10^{-19}\text{ J} = 1.875\text{ eV}}$.
Photons per second: $\displaystyle {N_p = P / E = 3 \times 10^{-3} / (3 \times 10^{-19}) = 10^{16}\text{ s}^{-1}}$.
Photoelectrons emitted per second (1% efficiency): $\displaystyle {N_e = 0.01 \times 10^{16} = 10^{14}\text{ s}^{-1}}$.
Maximum Kinetic Energy: $\displaystyle {KE_{\max} = E - \phi_0 = 1.875\text{ eV} - 1.5\text{ eV} = 0.375\text{ eV} = 6 \times 10^{-20}\text{ J}}$.

ASSIGNMENT – 2 (MCQ PRACTICE)

1. Work function of a metal surface is defined as the minimum energy required to:

(a) Move an electron within metal
(b) Remove an electron from metal surface
(c) Ionize the metal atom
(d) Excite an electron
Answer: (b) Remove an electron from metal surface

2. If accelerating potential of an electron is increased by 4 times, its de Broglie wavelength changes by a factor of:

(a) 4
(b) 2
(c) 1/2
(d) 1/4
Answer: (c) 1/2 ($\displaystyle {\lambda \propto 1/\sqrt{V} \implies 1/\sqrt{4} = 1/2}$)

3. Which particle has the largest de Broglie wavelength if all are moving with the same kinetic energy?

(a) Electron
(b) Proton
(c) Neutron
(d) Alpha particle
Answer: (a) Electron ($\displaystyle {\lambda \propto 1/\sqrt{m}}$; smallest mass gives longest wavelength)

ASSIGNMENT – 3 (ASSERTION & REASON)

1. Assertion (A): In photoelectric emission, all emitted electrons do not possess the same kinetic energy.
Reason (R): Electrons emitted from deeper atomic layers lose varying amounts of energy in collisions before escaping the surface.

Answer: (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A

2. Assertion (A): Stopping potential depends only on frequency of incident light and not on its intensity.
Reason (R): Maximum kinetic energy $\displaystyle {KE_{\max} = h\nu - \phi_0}$ depends on photon energy, not on photon quantity.

Answer: (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A

ASSIGNMENT – 4 (CASE STUDY QUESTIONS)

Case Study: Millikan's Photoelectric Verification

Millikan verified Einstein's equation by measuring stopping potential $\displaystyle {V_0}$ against frequency $\displaystyle {\nu}$ for various metals.

1. The y-intercept of the $\displaystyle {V_0}$ vs $\displaystyle {\nu}$ graph represents: (a) $\displaystyle {-\phi_0/e}$    (b) $\displaystyle {h/e}$
2. The slope of the $\displaystyle {V_0}$ vs $\displaystyle {\nu}$ graph equals: (a) $\displaystyle {h/e}$    (b) $\displaystyle {\phi_0}$
3. If work function is $\displaystyle {2.5\text{ eV}}$, threshold wavelength is: (a) $\displaystyle {4960\text{ \AA}}$    (b) $\displaystyle {2480\text{ \AA}}$

Answers: 1: (a) $\displaystyle {-\phi_0/e}$, 2: (a) $\displaystyle {h/e}$, 3: (a) $\displaystyle {4960\text{ \AA}}$ ($\displaystyle {12400/2.5 = 4960\text{ \AA}}$).

ASSIGNMENT – 5 (FORMULAE & CONCEPTUAL QUESTIONS)

CORE FORMULAE SUMMARY

1. Einstein's Photoelectric Equation: $\displaystyle {h \nu = \phi_0 + KE_{\max} = h \nu_0 + e V_0 = h \nu_0 + {\frac{{1}}{{2}}} m v_{\max}^2}$
2. Work Function & Threshold Wavelength: $\displaystyle {\phi_0 = h \nu_0 = {\frac{{hc}}{{\lambda_0}}}}$ ($\displaystyle {\phi_0\text{ (eV)} \approx {\frac{{12400}}{{\lambda_0\text{ (\AA)}}}}}$)
3. Photon Energy & Momentum: $\displaystyle {E = h \nu = {\frac{{hc}}{{\lambda}}}}$ | $\displaystyle {p = {\frac{{E}}{{c}}} = {\frac{{h}}{{\lambda}}}}$
4. de Broglie Matter Wave Formulae:
General: $\displaystyle {\lambda = {\frac{{h}}{{p}}} = {\frac{{h}}{{m v}}} = {\frac{{h}}{{\sqrt{2 m K}}}}}$
Accelerated Electron: $\displaystyle {\lambda_e = {\frac{{h}}{{\sqrt{2 m_e e V}}}} = {\frac{{12.27}}{{\sqrt{V}}}}\text{ \AA} = {\frac{{1.227}}{{\sqrt{V}}}}\text{ nm}}$

CONCEPTUAL SHORT QUESTIONS

1. Why is wave theory incapable of explaining the existence of threshold frequency in photoelectric emission?

Ans: Wave theory assumes light energy is spread continuously across wavefronts. It predicts that light of any frequency, if sufficiently intense, should continuously transfer energy to electrons until they escape. This contradicts the experimental fact that below threshold frequency $\displaystyle {\nu_0}$, no emission occurs regardless of intensity.

2. Why is the wave nature of a moving cricket ball not observable in daily life?

Ans: Because of its large macroscopic mass ($\displaystyle {m \sim 0.15\text{ kg}}$), its de Broglie wavelength ($\displaystyle {\lambda = h/mv \sim 10^{-34}\text{ m}}$) is unimaginably smaller than any physical aperture or atomic spacing, rendering diffraction effects completely unmeasurable.