CLASS – 12

288
WORKSHEET- DUAL NATURE OF MATTER AND RADIATION

A. PARTICLE NATURE OF LIGHT – THE PHOTON

(3 Marks Questions)

1. The energy flux of sunlight reaching the surface of the earth is 1.388 × 103 W/m2. How
many photons (nearly) per square metre are incident on the Earth per second? Assume
that the photons in the sunlight have an average wavelength of 550 nm.
hc 6.63×10−34 ×3×108
Sol. Energy of each photon, E = = = 3.62×10-19J
λ 550×10−9
Number of photons incident on earth’s surface per second per square metre
Total energy per square metre per second 1.388×103
= = 3.62×10−19 = 3.8×1021
Energy of each photon
.
2. A 100 W sodium lamp radiates energy uniformly in all directions. The lamp is located at
the centre of a large sphere that absorbs all the sodium light which is incident on it. The
wavelength of the sodium light is 589 nm. (a) What is the energy per photon associated
with the sodium light? (b) At what rate are the photons delivered to the sphere?
Sol. Power, P = 100W, wavelength of sodium light,  = 5.89×10-9 m
hc 6.63×10−34 ×3×108
(a) Energy of each photon associated with sodium light, E = hv = =
λ 589×10−9
-19
= 3.38×10 J
(b) Number of photons delivered to sphere per second
As P = nE
Energy radiated per second 100
n = Energy of each proton = 3.38×10−19 = 3×1020photon/s.

3. Estimating the following two numbers should be interesting. The first number will tell
you why radio engineers do not need to worry much about photons! The second number
tells you why our eye can never ‘count photons’, even in barely detectable light.
(a) The number of photons emitted per second by a Medium wave transmitter of 10 kW
power, emitting radiowaves of wavelength 500 m.
(b) The number of photons entering the pupil of our eye per second corresponding to the
minimum intensity of white light that we humans can perceive (∼10−10 W m−2). Take the
area of the pupil to be about 0.4 cm2, and the average frequency of white light to be about
6 × 1014 Hz.
Sol. a) Power of the medium wave transmitter, P = 10 kW = 104 W = 10 4 J/s
Hence, energy emitted by the transmitter per second, E = 104
Wavelength of the radio wave, λ = 500 m

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)
 hc
The energy of the wave is given as: E = λ 289

The energy (E1) of a radio photon is very less, but the number of photons (n) emitted per
second in a radio wave is very large.
The existence of a minimum quantum of energy can be ignored and the total energy of a
radio wave can be treated as being continuous.
(b) Intensity of light perceived by the human eye, I = 10−10 W m−2, Area of a pupil, A =
0.4 cm2 = 0.4 × 10−4 m2 , Frequency of white light, ν= 6 × 1014 Hz,
The energy emitted by a photon is given as: E = h/ν Where, h = Planck’s constant = 6.6 ×
10−34Js
E = 6.6 × 10−34 × 6 × 1014 = 3.96 × 10−19 J
Let n be the total number of photons falling per second, per unit area of the pupil. The
total energy per unit for n falling photons is given as: E = n × 3.96 × 10−19 Js−1 m−2
The energy per unit area per second is the intensity of light, E = I
n × 3.96 × 10−19 = 10−10

= 2.52 × 108 m2 s−1

The total number of photons entering the pupil per second is given as:
nA = n × A = 2.52 × 108 × 0.4 × 10−4 = 1.008 × 104 s−1
This number is not as large as the one found in problem (a), but it is large enough for the
human eye to never see the individual photons.

(5 Marks Questions)

4. Monochromatic light of wavelength 632.8 nm is produced by a helium-neon laser. The

power emitted is 9.42 mW.

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)
 (a) Find the energy and momentum of each photon in the light beam,
(b) How many photons per second, on the average, arrive at a target irradiated by this
290
beam? (Assume the beam to have uniform cross-section which is less than the target
area), and
(c) How fast does a hydrogen atom have to travel in order to have the same momentum as
that of the photon?
Sol. Here  = 632.8 nm = 632.8×10-9 m, P = 9.42mW = 9.42×10-3W
hc 6.63×10−34 ×3×108
(a) Energy of each proton, E = = = 3.14 × 10−19 J.
λ 632.8×10−9
h 6.63×10−34
Momentum of each proton, p = λ = 632.8×10−9 = 1.05 × 10−27 kg ms−1 .
(b) Number of photons arriving per second at the target,
P 9.72×10−3
N = E = 3.14×10−19 = 3×1016 photons per second
(c) Momentum of a hydrogen atom = Moment of a photon or mv = p
p 1.05×10−27 kg ms−1
Therefore velocity, v = m = = 0.63 ms-1.
1.67×10−27 kg

B. PHOTOELECTRIC EFFECT

(1 Mark Question)

1. The frequency (v) of incident radiation is greater than threshold frequency (v0) in a
photocell. How will the stopping potential vary if frequency (v) is increased, keeping
other factors constant?
Sol. Given, the frequency of the incident radiation is greater than the threshold frequency.
Therefore, the value of stopping potential (V0) increases with increase in frequency (v) of
the incident radiation and K.E. increases.

2. If the intensity of the incident radiation in a photocell is increased, how does the stopping
potential vary?

Sol. The stopping potential does not depend on the intensity of incident radiation, so stopping
potential will remain unchanged.

3. Two metals A and B have work functions 2eV and 4eV respectively. Which of the two
metals has a smaller threshold wavelength?
Sol. As  = hc/w.
So, 4eV. Thus metal B has lower threshold wavelength.

4. Does the ‘stopping potential’ in photoelectric emission depend upon (i) the intensity of
the incident radiation in a photocell? (ii) the frequency of the incident radiation?
Sol. No, the stopping potential does not depend upon the intensity of incident radiation but
depends on the nature of photosensitive surface and frequency of the incident radiation.

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5. Show graphically how the stopping potential for a given photosensitive surface varies 291
with the frequency of the incident radiation.
Sol.

6. State Einstein photoelectric equation.

Sol. Einstein's photoelectric equation states that Ek=hv−ϕ.

7. In an experiment on photoelectric effect, the following graphs were obtained between the
photoelectric current (I) and the anode potential (V). Name the characteristic of the
incident radiation that was kept constant in this experiment.

Sol. As the value of stopping potential is same for all the curves, so the frequency of incident
radiations is kept constant but their intensity is different.

8. How does maximum kinetic energy of electrons emitted vary with work function of the
metal?
Sol. The maximum kinetic energy of emitted electrons, Kmax = ½ mv2max = hv – W0. Clearly,
the larger the work function of the metal, lesser is the maximum K.E. of the
photoelectrons.

9. If the maximum kinetic energy of electrons emitted in a photocell is 5eV, what is the
stopping potential?
Sol. The stopping potential V0 = 5volt (negative)

10. Define the term work function for photoelectric effect.

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Sol. The photoelectric work function is the minimum photon energy required to liberate an
electron from a substance, in the photoelectric effect. If the photon's energy is greater 292
than the substance's work function, photoelectric emission occurs and the electron is
liberated from the surface.

11. Electrons emitted from a photosensitive surface when it is illuminated by green light but
electrons does not take place by yellow light. Will the electrons be emitted when the
surface is illuminated by (i) red light and (ii) blue light?
Sol. (i) No, electrons are not emitted by yellow light, because vred<Vyellow
(ii) Yes, electrons are emitted by blue light, because vblue>vgreen

12. Ultraviolet reactions of different frequencies 1 and  2 are incident on two photosensitive
materials having work functions W1 and W2 (W1 > W2) respectively. The kinetic energy
of the emitted electrons is same in both the cases. Which one of the two radiations will be
of higher frequency?
Sol. hυ1 = K + W1
hυ2 =K + W2
As W1 > W2
so υ1 > υ2

13. Consider a beam of electrons (each electron with energy E0) incident on a metal surface
kept in an evacuated chamber. Then
(a) no electrons will be emitted as only photons can emit electrons.
(b) electrons can be emitted but all with an energy, E 0.
(c) electrons can be emitted with any energy, with a maximum of E0 –  ( is the work
function).
(d) electrons can be emitted with any energy, with a maximum of E 0.
Sol. (d)
When a beam of electrons of energy E 0 is incident on a metal surface kept in vacuum of
evacuated chamber so electrons can be emitted with maximum energy E 0 (due to elastic
collision) and with any energy less than E 0 when p[art of incident energy of electron is
used in liberating the electrons from the surface of metal. So, maximum energy of
emitted electrons can be E0.

(2 Marks Questions)

14. Obtain the expression for the maximum kinetic energy of the electron emitted from a
metal surface in terms of the frequency of the incident radiation and the threshold
frequency.
Sol. The maximum kinetic energy of a photoelectron is given by 𝐸 = ℎ 𝑓 − 𝑊 , m a x where ℎ
is the Planck constant, 𝑓 is the frequency of the incident photon, and 𝑊 is the work
function of the metal surface.

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15. Define the term ‘threshold frequency’ for photoelectric effect. Show graphically how
stopping potential for a given metal varies with frequency of incident radiation. What 293
does the slope of this graph represent?
Sol. Threshold frequency: It is the minimum frequency of the incident light or radiation that
will produce a photoelectric effect i.e. ejection of photoelectrons from a metal surface is
known as threshold frequency for the metal.

The slope represents threshold frequency.

16. Explain laws of photoelectric emission on the basis of Einstein’s photoelectric equation.
Sol. The emission of electrons stops below a certain minimum frequency known as threshold
frequency. According to Einstein's equation of photoelectric effect, Ei=hνi=hν0+KE
where Ei is energy of incident photon and v0 is threshold frequency.

17. How does the value of work function influence the kinetic energy of electrons liberated
during photoelectric emission?
Sol. Work function of metal:-
The amount of energy required to remove an electron from an atom is specified as the
work function of a certain metal. The energy of the electron spinning around the nucleus
is the same as this. We beam a light of a specific frequency on a metal in the
photoelectric effect. The atom receives energy from light. The work function of a metal is
defined as the minimal amount of energy required to simply remove an electron from an
atom.
The law of conservation of energy states:
A photon's energy is equal to the sum of its threshold energy and its kinetic energy.
Energy of a photon = Threshold energy + Kinetic Energy
The element's work function equals the threshold energy.
As a result, work function= photon energy- metal kinetic energy.
In equation form, we can write it as:K = hν−q,K = hν−q,
Where, K is the kinetic energy, ν is the frequency, and q is the metal's work function.
The kinetic energy of the released photo electron falls as the work function of the metal
increases.

18. When a monochromatic yellow coloured light beam as incident on a given photosensitive
surface, photoelectrons are not ejected, while the same surface gives photoelectrons when
exposed to green coloured monochromatic beam. What will happen if the same

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)
 photosensitive surface is exposed to (i) violet and (ii) red coloured, monochromatic beam
of light? Justify your answer. 294
Sol. (i) Violet light has higher frequency than green light, so it can eject electrons from the
photosensitive surface. (ii) Red light has lower frequency than yellow light, it cannot
eject electrons from the photo-sensitive surface.

19. A source of light is placed at a distance of 50cm from a photocell and the cut off potential
is found to be V0. If the distance between the light source and photocell is made 25cm,
what will be the new curt off potential? Justify your answer
Sol. By changing the position of source of light from photocell, there will be a change in the
intensity of light falling on photocell. As stopping potential is independent of the
intensity of the incident light, hence stopping potential remains same i.e., V 0.

20. Using Einstein’s photoelectric equation to explain (i) independence of maximum energy
of emitted photoelectrons from intensity of incident light, (ii) existence of threshold
frequency for emission of photoelectrons.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

21. For a photosensitive surface, threshold wavelength is 0. Does photo emission occur if
the wavelength () of the incident radiation is (i) more than  0 (ii) less than  0? Justify
your answer
Sol. Einstein’s photoelectric equation gives us hv = v0 + ½ mv2max
c c 1
2
h λ = h λ + 2 mvmax
0

(i) When 0, ½ mv2max is negative. Therefore, photoemission will not occur.
(ii) When 0, ½ mv2max is positive. So, photoemission will occur
Here 0 is threshold frequency.

22. The work function of lithium is 2.3eV. What does it mean? What is the relation between
the work function ‘W” and threshold wavelength ‘’ of a metal?
Sol. Work function of lithium = 2.3eV
This means that to remove outermost electron from the ground shell of the lithium atom,
an energy of 2.3eV is required.
The relation between work function (W) and wavelength () is given as W = hv
hc
i.e, W = λ

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23. The photoelectric cut-off voltage in a certain experiment is 1.5 V. What is the maximum
kinetic energy of photoelectrons emitted? 295
Sol. Photoelectric cut off voltage, V0 = 1.5V
The maximum kinetic energy of the emitted photoelectrons is given by K e = eV0
Ke = 1.6 ×10-19 × 1.5J = 2.4×10-19J.
Therefore the maximum kinetic energy of photoelectrons emitted in the given experiment
is 2.4×10-19J.

24. The threshold frequency for a certain metal is 3.3 × 10 14 Hz. If light of frequency 8.2 ×
1014 Hz is incident on the metal, predict the cutoff voltage for the photoelectric emission.
Sol. Threshold frequency o the metal, v0 = 3.3×1014Hz, frequency of light incident on the
metal, v = 8.2 × 1014Hz, Charge one electron, e = 1.6×10-19C, Planck’s constant, h =
6.626×10-34Js
Cut off voltage for photoelectric emission from the metal V0
The equation for the cut off energy is given by eV0 = h (v – v0)
h(v−v0 ) 6.626×10−34 ×(8.2×1014 −3.3×1014 )
V0 = = 2.03V
e 1.6×10−19

25. The work function for a certain metal is 4.2 eV. Will this metal give photoelectric
emission for incident radiation of wavelength 330 nm?
Sol. No.

The energy of the incident photon is given as:

It can be observed that the energy of the incident radiation is less than the work function
of the metal. Hence, no photoelectric emission will take place.

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)
26. Consider a metal exposed to light of wavelength 600 nm. The maximum energy of the
electron doubles when light of wavelength 400 snm is used. Find the work function in 296
eV.
Sol. Given, for the first condition,
Wavelength of light, λ = 600
Wavelength of light, λ’ = 400 nm
Also, maximum kinetic energy for the second condition is equal to the twice of the
kinetic energy in first condition, then,

(3 Marks Questions)

27. Radiation of frequency 1015 Hz are incident on two photosensitive surfaces A and B.
Following observations are recorded: Surface A: No photoemission takes place. Surface
B: Photoemission takes place but photoelectrons on the basis of Einstein’s photoelectric
equation. How will the observation with surface B change when the wavelength of
incident radiations is decreased?
Sol. From the observations made (parts A and B) on the basis of Einstein's photoelectric
equation, we can draw following conclusions: For surface A, the threshold frequency is
more than 10 15 HZ, hence no photoemission is possible. For surface B the threshold
frequency is equal to the frequency of given radiation.

28. The following graph shows the variation of stopping potential V 0 with the frequency  of
the incident radiation for two photosensitive metals X and Y:

(i) Which of the metals has larger threshold wavelength? Give reasons.
(ii) Explain, giving reason, which metal gives out electrons, having larger kinetic energy,
for the same wavelength of the incident radiation.

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)
 (iii) If the distance between the light source and metal X is halved, how will the kinetic
energy of electrons emitted from it change? Give reasons. 297
Sol. (i) Let vi = frequency of incident radiation on metal Y, vi’ = frequency of incident
radiation on metal X
Since vi > vi’ therefore i < i’ [since vi = C/i and vi’ = C/i’]
Therefore metal X has larger threshold wavelength.
(ii) Since the kinetic energy of the emitted electrons is directly proportional to the
frequency of incident radiation, metal Y having larger incident frequency will have larger
kinetic energy. So, Evi, therefore metal Y has larger kinetic energy.
(iii) Kinetic energy of the emitted photoelectrons is independent of the intensity of the
incident light. Hence kinetic energy of the emitted photoelectrons remains unchanged if
the distance between the light source and metal X is halved.

29. In the figure above,

(i) Explain which metal has a smaller threshold wavelength.
(ii) Explain, giving reason, which metal emits photoelectrons having smaller kinetic
energy.
(iii) If the distance between the light source and metal P is doubled, how will the stopping
potential change?
Sol. Same as 28
(i) metal Y ahs smaller threshold wavelength
(ii) metal X emits smaller kinetic energy.
(iii) On doubling the distance between the light source and the cathode of the cell, the
intensity of light incident on the photocell becomes one-fourth. As stopping potential
does not depend on intensity, the stopping potential remains unchanged.

30. Sketch a graph between the frequency of incident radiations and stopping potential for a
given photosensitive material. What information can be obtained from the value of the
intercept on the potential axis?
Sol.

From Einstein’s photoelectric equation Ek = hv – W

eV0 = hv – W
V0 = h/e.v - W/e

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 Comparing with y = mx + c The intercept W/e will help to obtain the work function
of the substance. 298
(i) Photoelectric Current : As the distance of the light source from the cathode is reduced,
the intensity of light is increased. Thus, photoelectric current is increased because more
photo electrons will get emitted.
(ii) Stopping Potential : The stopping potential remains unaffected by reducing the
distance of the light source from the cathode, as frequency is not changed on reducing the
distance between source of light and cathode.

31. Define the terms threshold frequency and stopping potential in relation to the
phenomenon of photoelectric effect. How is the photoelectric current affected on
increasing the (i) frequency (ii) intensity of the incident radiations and why?
Sol. Threshold frequency is the minimum frequency of the incident light which can cause the
ejection of electrons without giving them additional energy. The amount of potential that
is required to stop the electron having the maximum kinetic energy from moving is
known as stopping potential.
Stopping potential : The minimum negative potential given to the anode of a photocell for
which the photoelectric current becomes zero is called stopping potential.
(i) The increase of frequency of incident radiation has no effect on the photoelectric
current.
(ii) The photoelectric current increases proportionally with the increase in intensity of
incident radiation.

32. If the frequency of incident radiation on a photo cell is doubled for the same intensity,
what changes will you observe in (i) the kinetic energy of photoelectrons emitted (ii)
Photoelectric current and (iii) Stopping potential? Justify your answer in each case.
Sol. (i) The K.E. of the photoelectron becomes more than double of its original energy. As the
work function of the metal is fixed, so incident photon of higher energy will impart more
energy to the photoelectron. (ii) The increase in frequency of incident radiation has no
effect on photoelectric current.

33. When light of wavelength 400nm is incident on the cathode of a photocell, the stopping
material recorded is 6V. If the wavelength of the incident light is increased to 600nm,
calculate the new stopping potential.
Sol. Let W be the work function of the cathode surface, and v the frequency of light falling on
the surface. Then, according to Einstein’s photoelectric equation, the maximum kinetic
energy Ek of the emitted electrons is given by

where is the wavelength of the incident light.

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)
 If the cut-off potential is V0, then the maximum kinetic energy of the
299
electron, . Thus
If the wavelength of the incident light is increased from , then the change
(decrease) in the stopping potential will be

.
Here,

.
Now,
= 4.97 V.

34. Ultraviolet light of wavelength 2271Å from 100W mercury source radiates a photo cell
made of molybdenum metal. If the stopping potential is 1.3V, estimate the work function
of the metal. How would the photocell respond to high intensity (10 5 Wm-2) red light of
wavelength 6328Å produced by a He-Ne laser?
Plot a graph showing the variation of photoelectric current with anode potential for two
light beams of same wavelength but different intensity.
Sol. (a) From Einstein’s equation, h = 0 + K = 0 + eVs
hc
Or 0 = h – eVs = - eVs (Equation is independent of the power of the source)
λ
6.6×10−34 ×3×108 6.6×10−34 ×3×108
0 = − 1.3eV = (2271×10−10 ×1.6×10−19 − 1.3) eV = 5.5eV – 1.3eV =
2271×10−10
4.2eV
ϕ0 4.2×1.6×10−19
(b) Threshold frequency, 0 = = = 1.0 × 1015 Hz and the frequency of
h 6.6×10−34
red light from the source is 105 W/m2.
c 3×108
 = λ = 6.325×10−10 = 4.7 × 1014 Hz
Since frequency of red light is less than threshold frequency so photocell will not respond
to red light, however high (105 W/m2) be the intensity of light.
(c)

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)
 300

35. Find the

(a) maximum frequency, and
(b) minimum wavelength of X-rays produced by 30 kV electrons.
Sol. (a). Potential of the electrons, V=30kV=3×104V
Hence, energy of the electrons, E=3×104eV
Where,
e = Charge on an electron = 1.6×10−19C
Maximum frequency produced by the X-rays is ν
The energy of the electrons is given by the relation is E=hν
Where,
h = Planck’s constant = 6.626×10−34Js
ν=E/h=7.24×1018Hz
(b). Energy of a electron, E=30×103eV
Let Maximum frequency produced by the X-rays be ν
ν=E/h=1.6×10−19×3×104/6.626×10−34=7.24×10-Hz where h is the Planck’s constant.
The minimum wavelength produced by the X-rays is given as-
λ=c/ν=0.0414nm

36. The work function of caesium metal is 2.14 eV. When light of frequency 6 ×10 14 Hz is
incident on the metal surface, photoemission of electrons occurs. What is the
(a) maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons,
(b) Stopping potential, and
(c) maximum speed of the emitted photoelectrons?
Sol. Given: The work function of caesium metal is 2.14 eV and the frequency of light
is 6× 1014 Hz.
(a) The maximum kinetic energy (eV) in photoelectric effect is given as,
K.E.= hν e −ϕ

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)
 Where, the Plank’s constant is h, the charge on electron is e, the work function of
caesium metal is ϕ ad the frequency of light is ν. 301
By substituting the given values in above equation, we get
K.E.= 6.626× 10 −34 ×6× 1014 =1.6× 10 −19 −2.14 = 2.485−2.14 =0.34 eV
Thus, the maximum kinetic energy of emitted electron is 0.34 eV.
(b) The stopping potential is given as,
V0 = K.E. e
By substitute the values in above equation, we get
V0 = 0.345×1.6× 10 −19= 1.6× 10 −19 =0.34 V
Thus, the stopping potential of the material is 0.34 V.
(c)The maximum speed of the photoelectrons is given as,
K.E.= 1 2 mv2 or v= 2×K.E. m
Where, the maximum speed of electron is v and the mass of electron is m.
By substitute the given values in above equation, we get
v= 2×0.345×1.6× 10 −19 = 9.1× 10−31 =3.483× 105 m/s =348.3 km/s
Thus, the maximum speed of emitted photoelectron is 348.3 km/s.

37. In an experiment on photoelectric effect, the slope of the cut-off voltage versus frequency
of incident light is found to be 4.12 × 10−15 V s. Calculate the value of Planck’s constant.
ΔV
Sol. Here Δv = 4.12×10-15Vs, e = 1.6×10-19C
ΔV
Planck’s constant, h = Δv . e = 4.12 × 10−15 × 1.6 × 10−19 = 6.592×10-34 Js.

38. Light of frequency 7.21 × 1014 Hz is incident on a metal surface. Electrons with a
maximum speed of 6.0 × 105 m/s are ejected from the surface. What is the threshold
frequency for photoemission of electrons?
Sol. Here v = 7.21×1014Hz, vmax = 6.0×105 ms-1
From Einstein’s photoelectric equation, Kmax = ½ mv2max = hv – W0 = h(v – v0)
1
mv2max 1×9.1×10−31 ×(6.0×105 )2
Therefore v – v0 = 2
= = 2.47 × 1014 Hz
h 2×6.63×10−34
Or v0 = v – 2.47 × 1014 = 7.21 × 1014 – 2.47 × 1014 = 4.74 × 1014 Hz.

39. Light of wavelength 488 nm is produced by an argon laser which is used in the
photoelectric effect. When light from this spectral line is incident on the emitter, the
stopping (cut-off) potential of photoelectrons is 0.38 V. Find the work function of the
material from which the emitter is made.
Sol Here  = 488nm = 488×10-9 m, V0 = 0.38V
From Einstein’s photoelectric equation, Kmax = ½ mv2max = hv – W0
hc
Or eV0 = λ − W0
hc
∴ W0 = – eV0
λ
6.63×10−34 ×3×108
= − 1.6 × 10−19 × 0.38 = 4.076×10-19 – 0.608 ×10-19
488×10−9

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)
 = 3.468 × 10-19J or W0 = 3.47×10-19J = 2.17eV.
302
40. (a) An X-ray tube produces a continuous spectrum of radiation with its short wavelength
end at 0.45 Å. What is the maximum energy of a photon in the radiation?
(b) From your answer to (a), guess what order of accelerating voltage (for electrons) is
required in such a tube?
Sol. (a) Here min = 0.45 Å = 0.45×10-10 m
hc
The maximum enrgy of an X ray photon is E max = hvmax =
λmin
6.63×10−34 ×3×108 6.63×3×10−16 3
= J = 0.45×1.6×10−19 eV = 27.6×10 eV = 27.6 keV
0.45×10−10
(b) To get photons of energy 27.6keV, electrons of at least 27.6 keV must strike the target
of the X ray tube. Hence the accelerating potential should be greater than 27.6 eV or it
should be of the order of 30 keV.

41. In an accelerator experiment on high-energy collisions of electrons with positrons, a

certain event is interpreted as annihilation of an electron-positron pair of total energy 10.2
BeV into two γ-rays of equal energy. What is the wavelength associated with each γ-ray?
(1BeV = 109 eV)
Sol. Energy of two -rays = energy of electron positron pair = 10.2BeV = 10.2 × 10 9 eV
Therefore energy of each g-ray photon is E = 5.1×109eV = 5.1×109 × 1.6 × 10-19J
= 5.1×1.6×10-10J
But E = hv = hc/
Hence wavelength associated with -ray is
hc 6.63×10−34 ×3×108
= = m = 2.436×10-16 m.
E 5.1×1.6×10−10

42. Ultraviolet light of wavelength 2271 Å from a 100 W mercury source irradiates a photo-
cell made of molybdenum metal. If the stopping potential is −1.3 V, estimate the work
function of the metal. How would the photo-cell respond to a high intensity (∼105 W
m−2) red light of wavelength 6328 Å produced by a He-Ne laser?
Sol. Here  = 2271 Å = 2271×10-10m, V0 = 1.3V, h= 6.63×10-10Js, e = 1.6×10-19C, W0 = ?
Einstein’s photoelectric equation is Maximum KE of emitted photon = eV0 = hv- W0
hc
Therefore W0 = hv – eV0 = λ - eV0
66.63×10−34 ×3×108
= = 1.6×10-19 × 1.3 = [8.72×10-19 2.08 × 10-19]J
2270×10−10
6.64×10−19
= eV = 4.5eV [since 1eV = 1.6×10-19J]
1.6×10−19
W0 6.64×10−19
Threshold frequency is v0 = = 6.63×10−34 Hz = 1.0×1015 Hz
h
For red light,  = 6328 Å = 6328×10-10 m

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)
 c 3×108
Therefore corresponding frequency for red light will be v = = 6328×10−10 =
λ 303
4.74×1010Hz
As v < v0 so there will be no photoelectric emission with this red light, howsoever high
its intensity may be.

43. Monochromatic radiation of wavelength 640.2 nm (1nm = 10 −9 m) from a neon lamp

irradiates photosensitive material made of cesium on tungsten. The stopping voltage is
measured to be 0.54 V. The source is replaced by an iron source and its 427.2 nm line
irradiates the same photo-cell. Predict the new stopping voltage.
Sol. Here 1 = 640.2 × 10-9m, V01 = 0.54V, 2 = 427.2 × 10-9 m, V02 = ?
hc
From Einstein’s photoelectric equation, eV0 = λ – W0
hc
From neon lamp, eV01 = λ − W0
1
hc
For iron source, eV02 = λ − W0
2
hc 1 1
Therefore, V02 – V01 = [ −λ ]
e λ2 1
6.63×10−34 ×3×108 1 1 6.63×3×102 213.0
= × [427.2×10−9 − 640.2×10−9 ] = × 427.2 = 0.97V
1.6×10−19 1.6
Therefore V02 = V01 + 0.97 = 0.54 + 0.97 = 1.51V.

44. The work function for the following metals is given:

Na: 2.75 eV; K: 2.30 eV; Mo: 4.17 eV; Ni: 5.15 eV. Which of these metals will not give
photoelectric emission for a radiation of wavelength 3300 Å from a He-Cd laser placed 1
m away from the photocell? What happens if the laser is brought nearer and placed 50 cm
away?
Sol. Wavelength of incident radiation is  = 3300 Å = 3300×10-10 m
hc 6.63×10−34 ×3×108 6.63×3×10−18
Energy of an incident photon, E = λ
= 3300×10−10
J = 33×1.6×10−19 eV = 3.75eV
As the energy of incident photon is less than the work functions of Mo and Ni so the
metals Mo and Ni will not give photoelectric emission.
If the laser kis brought closer, intensity fo radiation increases. This does not affect the
result regarding Mo and Ni, but the photoelectric current will increase for Na and K with
the increase in intensity.

45. Figure shows the plot of cut off voltage vs frequency of radiation incident on a metal.

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)
 304

Calculate:
(a) the threshold frequency (b) Planck’s constant
Sol. (a) From the given graph, the threshold frequency is v0 = 4.5 × 1014Hz
(b) Using Einstein’s photoelectric equation, eV = hv = W0
On differentiation, we get eV = hv
∆V 2.5−2
h = . e = (10−9)×1014 × 1.6 × 10−19 = 8×10-34Js.
∆v

(5 Marks Questions)

46. Draw a graph showing the variation of stopping potential with frequency of incident
radiations in relation to photoelectric effect. Deduce an expression for the slope of this
graph using Einstein’s photoelectric equation.
Sol. a) Due to the increase in frequency, there is an increase in kinetic energy of the electron.

So, the stopping potential increases with increase in the frequency of incident radiation in
relation to the photoelectric effect.
(b)

Point p on the graph shows the threshold frequency.

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)
 305

Hence, the threshold frequency is the intercept along (frequency) axis.

Now, the slope of the given graphs gives

Hence, plank's constant slope of the graph

47. Define the terms (i) threshold frequency and (ii) stopping potential, with reference to
photoelectric effect. Calculate the maximum kinetic energy of electrons emitted from a
photosensitive surface of work function 3.2eV, for the incident radiation of wavelength
300nm.
Sol. Same as 31
Energy of incident radiation is given by:
E=λ/hc=6.64×10−34×3×108/300×10−9
=6.64×10−19=4.05eV
The work function of the metal is equal to 2.54eV
Hence the maximum kinetic energy of an ejected photoelectron would be 4.05 – 2.54 = 1.59eV
And the stopping potential needed to stop this would be 1.59V.

48. A mercury lamp is a convenient source for studying frequency dependence of

photoelectric emission, since it gives a number of spectral lines ranging from the UV to
the red end of the visible spectrum. In our experiment with rubidium photo-cell, the
following lines from a mercury source were used:
λ1 = 3650 Å, λ2= 4047 Å, λ3= 4358 Å, λ4= 5461 Å, λ5= 6907 Å,
The stopping voltages, respectively, were measured to be:
V01 = 1.28 V, V02 = 0.95 V, V03 = 0.74 V, V04 = 0.16 V, V05 = 0 V
Determine the value of Planck’s constant h, the threshold frequency and work function
for the material.

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)
Sol. (i) Using v = c/, we first determine frequency in each case and then plot a graph
between stopping potential V0 and frequency v.
306

The firsrt four points le nearly on a straight line which intercepts the v axis of threshold
frequency v0 = 5.0×1014Hz.
The fifth point v(=4.3×1014Hz) corresponds to v < v0 so there is no photoelectric
emission and no stopping voltage is required to stop tehcurrent. The slope of V0 versus v
graph is

From Einsteins’ photoelectric equation, KE = eV = hv – W0

So, [W0 is constant)
Or
Hence
Planck’s constatn, h = e × 4.0 × 10-15Js = 1.6×10-19× 4.0 × 10-15Js = 6.4×10-34Js
(ii) Threshold frequency, v0 = 5.0×10-14Hz
6.4×5.0×10−20
Therfore work function, W90 = hv0 = 6.4× 10-34 × 5.0 ×10-14J = eV = 200eV
1.6×10−19

C. WAVE NATURE OF MATTER

(1 Mark Question)

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)
1. Why are de Broglie waves associated with a moving football not visible?
Sol. de-Broglie waves associated with a moving football are not visible because in accordance 307
with formula =h/mv, the value of wavelength is extremely small (of the order of `10 -
34
m).

2. Two lines A and B, in the plot given below show the variation of de Broglie wave length,
 versus 1/√V, where V is the accelerating potential difference, for two particles carrying
the same charge. Which one of the two represents a particle of smaller mass?

h h 1
Sol. de-Broglie wavelength, λ = = .
√2mqV √2mq √V
1 h
Therefore slope of  versus graph =
√V √2mq
1
For the particle of the same charge q, slope ∝
√m
As the slope of line A is smaller than that of line B, line B has smaller mass.

3. de Broglie wavelength associated with an electron associated through a potential

difference V is. What will be its wavelength when the accelerating potential is
increased to 4V?
Sol. When potential difference is increased 4 times, wavelength becomes half its value.

4. An electron, an alpha particle and a proton have the same kinetic energy. Which one of
these particles has the largest de Broglie wavelength?
Sol. As mass of electron is least, so electron has largest de-Broglie wavelength.

5. An electron and alpha particle have the same de Broglie wavelength associated with
them. How are their kinetic energies related to each other?
Sol. Given λelectron = λα
de Broglie wavelength associated with a particle of mass m and energy E is

That is kinetic energy of electron and a-particle are in inverse ratio of these masses.

6. An electron and alpha particle have the same kinetic energy. How are the de Broglie
wavelength associated with them related?

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)
Sol. Same Kinetic energy means electron has highest velocity than a proton and an alpha
particle. An electron has least momentum. Hence, it has largest de Broglie 308
wavelength and alpha particle has least wavelength.

7. An electron and a proton have the same de Broglie wavelength associated with them.
How are their kinetic energies related to each other?
Sol. de Broglie wavelength,

i. e., K.E. of electron =1840 x (K.E. of proton)

8. With what purpose was famous Davisson-Germer experiment with electrons performed?
Sol. Davisson-Germer experiment was performed to verify wave nature of electrons.

9. A particle is dropped from a height H. The de Broglie wavelength of the particle as a

function of height is proportional to
(a) H (b) H1/2 (c) H0 (b) H –1/2
Ans. (d)
Velocity of a body freely falling a height H is v = √(2gH)
so,  = h/mv = h/m√(2gH) = h/m√2g√H
(h, m amd g are constant)
here, h/m√(2g) is also constant
So, h ∝ 1/√H or  ∝ H-1/2

10. A proton, a neutron, an electron and an α-particle have same energy. Then their de
Broglie wavelengths compare as
(a) λp = λn > λe > λα (b) λα < λp = λn > λe (c) λe < λp = λn > λα (d) λe = λp = λn = λα
Ans. (b)
h
The relation between  and K is given by  =
√2mk
h
So, for the given value of kinetic energy K is constant
√2k
1
Thus,  ∝
√m
therefore ⇒ λp : λn : λe : λ
1 1 1 1
⇒ m : m : m : m
√ p √ n √ e √ α
If (mp = mn), then p = n
if (ma>mp), then a < p

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)
 if (me < mn), then e > n
Hence λα < λp = λn > λe 309

11. An electron is moving with an initial velocity v  v0ˆi and is in a magnetic field B  B0ˆj .
Then it’s de Broglie wavelength
(a) remains constant. (b) increases with time.
(c) decreases with time. (d) increases and decreases periodically.
Ans. (a)
A given that v  v0ˆi and B  B0ˆj
Force on moving electron due to perpendicular magnetic field B, is F = -e(V × B)
F = -e[V î × B î] = -ev B (î ×ĵ)
0 0 0 0
⇒ -v0B0k̂ (since k̂ = î × ĵ)
So, the force is perpendicular t v and B, both as the force is ⊥ to the velocity so the
magnitude of v will not change, so momentum is (- mv) will remain same of constant in
magnitude. Hence, de-Broglie  – h/mv remains constant.

12. An electron (mass m ) with an initial velocity v  v0ˆi(v0  0) ) is in an electric field

E  E0ˆi(E0  cons tan t  0) . It’s de Broglie wavelength at time t is given by
0  eE t 
(a) (b)  0 1  0  (c) λ0 (d) λ0t.
 eE 0 t   mv0 
1  
 m v0 
Ans. (a)

13. An electron (mass m) with an initial velocity v  v0ˆi is in an electric field E  E0ˆj . If λ0
= h/mv0, it’s de Breoglie wavelength at time t is given by
e 2 E 02 t 2 0 0
(a) λ0 (b)  0 1  (c) (d)
m 2 v02 e 2 E 02 t 2  e 2 E 02 t 2 
1 1  2 2 
m 2 v 02  m v0 
Ans. (c)

14. A proton and an α-particle are accelerated, using the same potential difference. How are
the de-Broglie wavelengths λp and λ related to each other?
Sol. It is given that the proton and -particle are accelerated at the same potential difference so
their kinetic energies will be equal.
The de-Broglie wavelengths λp and λ related to each other as

15. Do all the electrons that absorb a photon come out as photoelectrons?

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)
Sol. No, most electrons get scattered into the metal. Only a few come out of the surface of the
metal. 310

(2 Marks Questions)

16. Derive the expression for the de Broglie wavelength of an electron moving under a
potential difference of V volt.
Sol. When a charged particle is accelerated by potential V, the kinetic energy is equal to
electrostatic potential energy.
Thus ½ mv2 = qV or v = √2qV/m
h h h
Hence the de Broglie wavelength,  = p = mV =
√2qV

17. A particle of mass M at rest decays into two particles of masses m1 and m2 having
velocities v1 and v2 respectively. Find the ratio of de Broglie wavelengths of two
particles.
Sol. We know that, according to de-Broglie’s hypothesis, the momentum of the particle is,
p=hcλp=hc/λ
Here, h is Planck’s constant, c is the speed of light and λ is the de Broglie wavelength.
According to the law of conservation of momentum, the momentum of a system remains
conserved.
Therefore, we can write,
Mv=m1v1+m2 v2
Here, v is the velocity of parent particle, v1 is the velocity of m1 and m1 is the velocity
of m2
Since the parent particle is at rest, the initial velocity v is zero. Therefore, the above
equation becomes,
0=m1v1+m2 v2
⇒m1v1=−m2 v2
Therefore, from the above equation, the momentum of the particle of mass m1 and the
momentum of the particle of mass m2 is equal.
So, we can write, p1=p2
⇒hc/λ1=hc/λ2
Planck’s constant h and speed of light c is constant for both particles. Therefore, the
wavelength of these particles is the same. Therefore, we can write,
∴λ1λ2=1

18. The wavelength , of a proton and the de Broglie wavelength of an electron have the
same value. Show that the energy of the photon is 2 mc/h times the kinetic energy of
the electron, where m, c, and h have their usual meanings.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)
 ______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________ 311

(3 Marks Questions)

19. Show that the de Broglie wavelength  of electrons of energy E is given by the relation 
= h/√(2mE).
Sol. If one electron which is in rest in accelerated with potential difference V and due to this
acceleration it acquire the velocity v then.
1/2 me v2 = eV where me = mass of electron
e = charge of electron of, mev2 2eV
If ρ is the momentum of the electron

20. Red light, however bright it is, cannot produce the emission of electrons from a clean zinc
surface. But even weak ultraviolet radiation can do so. Why?
X-rays of wavelength ‘’ falls on a photosensitive surface emitting electrons. Assuming
that the work function of the surface can be neglected, prove that the de Broglie
wavelength of electrons emitted will be (h /2mc)1/2.
Sol. The frequency of red light is less than the threshold frequency of zinc surface. Hence, it
cannot cause photoelectric emission from zinc surface, whatever may be its intensity. The
frequency of ultraviolet radiation is greater than the threshold frequency of zinc surface.

21. An electromagnetic wave of wavelength  is incident on a photosensitive surface of

negligible work function. If the photoelectrons emitted from this surface have the same de
 2mc  2
Broglie wavelength , prove that     1
 h 
Sol. An electromagnetic wave of wavelength λ is incident on a photosensitive surface of
negligible work function. If the photoelectrons emitted from this surface have the de
 2mc  2
Broglie wavelength λ′ , then, A.     1 .
 h 

22. Mention the significance of Davisson-Germer experiment. An -particle and a proton are
accelerated from rest through the same potential difference V. Find the ratio of de-Broglie
wavelengths associated with them.
Sol. An α-particle and a proton are accelerated from rest through the same potential difference
V. Find the ratio of de-Broglie wavelengths associated with them. The Davisson and
Germer's experiment established famous de-Broglie hypothesis of wave-particle duality
by confirming the wave nature of moving particle.

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)
23. Calculate the (a) momentum, and (b) de Broglie wavelength of the electrons accelerated
through a potential difference of 56 V.
312
Sol. (a) Kinetic energy of an electron, K = 56eV = 56×1.6×10-19J
Moment of an electron, p = √2mK = √2 × 9.1 × 10−31 × 56 × 1.6 × 10−19
= √1630.72 × 10−50 = 4.04 × 10−24 kg ms−1
h 6.63×10−34
(b) de Broglie wavelength,  = p = = 0.164 × 10−9 m = 0.164m.
4.04

24. What is the (a) momentum, (b) speed, and (c) de Broglie wavelength of an electron with
kinetic energy of 120 eV.
Sol. Kinetic energy, K = 120eV = 120×1.6×10-19J = 1.92×10-17J
(a) Momentum of an electron, p = √2mk = √2 × 9.1 × 10−31 × 1.92 × 10−17
= 5.91×10-24 kg ms-1
p 5.91×10−24
(b) Speed of an electron, v = m = = 6.5×106 ms-1.
9.1×10−31
h 6.63×10−34
(c) de-Broglie wavelength,  = p = = 0.112×10-9 m = 0.112 nm
6.5×106

25. The wavelength of light from the spectral emission line of sodium is 589 nm. Find the
kinetic energy at which
(a) an electron, and
(b) a neutron, would have the same de Broglie wavelength.
Sol. Here 589nm = 589×10-9 m
h h h2
But  = p = or 2 = 2mK
√2mk
h2
Therefore K = 2mλ2
(6.63×10−34 )2
(a) Kinetic energy of an electron, K = 2×9.1×10−31 ×(589×10−9 )2 = 6.98×10-25J = 4.34  eV.
(6.63×10−34 )2
(b) Kinetic energy of neutron, K = 2×1.67×10−27 ×(589×10−9)2 = 3.78×10-28J = 0.236 neV.

26. An electron and a photon each have a wavelength of 1.00 nm. Find (a) their
moment,(b) the energy of the photon, and (c) the kinetic energy of electron.
Sol. Here  = 1.00nm = 1.00×10-9 m
(a) Both electrons and photon have same wavelength, so they have same momentum also.
h 6.63×10−34
p=λ= = 6.63×10-25 kg ms-1
1.00×10−9
hc 6.63×10−34 ×3×108
(b) Energy of a photon, E = = = 19.89 × 10−17 J
λ 1.00×10−9
19.89×10−17
= eV = 1.24×103 eV = 1.24 keV
1.6×10−19
p2 (6.63×10−25 )2
(c) Kinetic energy of electron, E = 2m = = 2.42 × 10−19 J
2×9.1×10−31

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)
 2.42×10−19
= = 1.51eV.
1.6×10−19 313

27. (a) For what kinetic energy of a neutron will the associated de Broglie wavelength be
1.40 × 10−10 m?
(b) Also find the de Broglie wavelength of a neutron, in thermal equilibrium with matter,
having an average kinetic energy of (3/2) kT at 300 K.
Sol. Given k = 1.38×10-23JK-1
h
(a) de Broglie wavelength,  =
√2mk
h2 (6.63×10−34 )2
Therefore Kinetic energy, K = 2mλ2 = 2×1.677×10−27 ×(1.40×10−10 )2 = 6.686 × 10−21 J
6.686×10−21
= = 4.174×10-2eV
1.6×10−19
(b) E = 3/2 KT
h h 6.63×10−34
Therefore  = = = √3×1.677×10−27 m
√2mk √3mkT ×1.38×10−23 ×300
6.63×10−10 6.63×10−10
= = m = 1.45 × 10−10 m = 0.145 nm.
√20.8 4.56

28. Show that the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation is equal to the de Broglie
wavelength of its quantum (photon).
Sol. For a photon, de Broglie wavelength,  = h/p.
For an electromagnetic radiation of frequency v and wavelength ’ = (= c/v).
E hv h c h
Momentum, p = c = c or p = c . λ′ = λ′
h
Then ’ = p = λ
Thus the wavelength ’ of the electromagnetic radiation is the same as the de Broglie
wavelength  of the photon.

29. What is the de Broglie wavelength of a nitrogen molecule in air at 300 K? Assume that
the molecule is moving with the root-mean square speed of molecules at this temperature.
(Atomic mass of nitrogen = 14.0076 u, k = 1.38×10-23Jk-1)
Sol. Mass of N2 molecule, m = 2×14.0076×1.66×10-27kg = 46.5 ×10-27kg
T = 300K
Average kinetic energy, ½ mc2 = 3/2 kT
3kT
Or c = √
m
h h 6.63×10−34 6.63×10−34
Therefore  = mc = = √3×46.5×10−27 m = √577.59×10−24
√3mkT ×1.38×10−23 ×300
6.63×10−10 −9
= m = 0.0276 × 10 m = 0.028nm.
24.03

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)
30. Crystal diffraction experiments can be performed using X-rays, or electrons accelerated
through appropriate voltage. Which probe has greater energy? (For quantitative
314
comparison, take the wavelength of the probe equal to 1 Å, which is of the order of inter-
atomic spacing in the lattice) (me= 9.11 × 10−31 kg).
Sol. For X ray photon:  = 1 Å = 10-10 m
hc 6.63×10−34 ×3×108 6.63×3×10−16
Energy of a photon, E = hv = = J= eV
λ 10−10 1.6×10−19
= 12.4 × 103eV = 12.4 keV
For electrons: l = 1 Å = 10-10m, m = 9.11×10-31kg
h 6.63×10−34
Therefore momentum, p = λ = = 6.63×10-24 kg ms-1
10−10
2 p2 (6.63×10−24 )2
Energy of an electron is K = ½ mv = 2m = J
2×9.11×10−31
6.63×6.63×10−17
= 2×9.11×1.6×10−19 eV = 150.6eV [since p = mv]
Thus for the same wavelength, a photon has much greater energy than an electron.

31. (a) Obtain the de Broglie wavelength of a neutron of kinetic energy 150 eV. As you have
seen in previous Qs, an electron beam of this energy is suitable for crystal diffraction
experiments. Would a neutron beam of the same energy be equally suitable? Explain.
(mn= 1.675 × 10−27 kg)
(b) Obtain the de Broglie wavelength associated with thermal neutrons at room
temperature (27 ºC). Hence explain why a fast neutron beam needs to be thermalised with
the environment before it can be used for neutron diffraction experiments.
Sol. (a) Here mn = 1.675 × 10-27kg
K = 150eV = 150×1.6×10-19J = 2.4×10-17J
(mv)2 p2
As K = ½ mv2 = = 2m or p = √2mK
2m
h h
Therefore de Broglie wavelength of neutrons is  = p =
√2mK
6.63×10−34 6.63×10−11
= √2×1.675×10−27 = m = 2.33×10-12 m
×2.4×10−17 28.35
As the interatomic spacing (1 Å = 10-10m) is about 100 times greater than this
wavelength, so a neutron beam of 150eV energy is not suitable for diffraction
experiments.
(b) Average kinetic energy of a neutron at absolute temperature T is ½ mv2 = 3/2 kT
p2 3
Or = kT [since p = mv]or p = √3mkT
2m 2
h h
Therefore de Broglie wavelength,  = p =
√3mkT
Given mn = 1.675×10-27kg, k = 1.38 × 10-23J mol-1 K-1, T = 27+273 = 300K, h = 6.63 ×
10-34Js
6.63×10−34 6.63×10−10
= = m = 1.45×10-10 m = 1.45 Å
√3×1.675×10−27 ×1.38×10−23 ×300 4.56

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)
 As this wavelength is comparable to interatomic spacing (≈1 Å) in a crystal, so thermal
neutrons can be used for diffraction experiments. A high energy neutron beams should be
315
first thermalised before using it for diffraction.

32. An electron microscope uses electrons accelerated by a voltage of 50 kV. Determine the
de Broglie wavelength associated with the electrons. If other factors (such as numerical
aperture, etc.) are taken to be roughly the same, how does the resolving power of an
electron microscope compare with that of an optical microscope which uses yellow light?
Sol. Here V = 50kV = 5×104 V, me = 9.11×10-31kg
KE of an electron, K = 50eV = 1.6×10-19 × 5×104J = 8×10-15J
h 6.63×10−34
Therefore de Broglie wavelength of electron is  = = m
√2mK √2×9.11×10−31 ×8×10−15
6.63×10−11
= m = 5.5×10-12,
12.07
Wavelength of yellow light, y = 5.9× 10-7m
Resolving power of a microscope ∝ 1/.
Eesolvign pwoer of electron microscope λy 5.9×10−7
Therefore = = 5.5×10−12 × 105
Resolving pwer of optical microscope λ
Thus the resolving power of an electron microscope is about 105 times greater than that
of optical microscope.

33. Find the typical de Broglie wavelength associated with a He atom in helium gas at room
temperature (27 ºC) and 1 atm pressure; and compare it with the mean separation
between two atoms under these conditions.
Atomic weight of He
Sol. Mass of atom is given by , m = Avcogadro′ s number
4 4×10−3 2
= 6×1023 g = kg = 3 × 10−26 kg
6×1023
T = 27+273 = 300K
Average KE of He atom at absolute temperature T is ½ mv2 = 3/2 kT
Therefore m2v2 = 3mkT or p2 = 3mkT or p = √3mkT
h h 6.63×10−34
Therefore  = p = = = 0.73×10-10m
√3mkT 2
√3× ×10−26 ×1.38×10−23 ×300
3

Kinetic gas equation for one ole of a gas can be written as PV = Rt

Or PV = kNT [since k = R/N]
Or V/N = kT/P
1
Molar volume 3 kT 1/3
Therefore mean separation, r = [Avogradro′ snumber ] = [ P ]
Given T = 300K, P = 1atm = 1.01×105Pa, k = 1.38×10-23 J mol-1 K-1
1/3
1.38×10−23 ×300 138×30 1/3
Hence r = [ ] m=[ ] × 10−9 m = 3.4×10-9 m
1.01×105 101

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)
 We must find that r >> , i.e, the wave packets associated with He atoms do not overlap
and hence He atoms can be distinctly seen.
316

34. Compute the typical de Broglie wavelength of an electron in a metal at 27 ºC and

compare it with the mean separation between two electrons in a metal which is given to
be about 2 × 10−10 m.
Sol. Mass of an electron is m = 9.11 × 10-31kg and T = 27+273 = 300K
h
Therefore de Broglie wavelength of electrons is  =
√3mkT
6.63×10−34 6.63×10−8 6.63×10−8
= √3×9.11×10−31 m= = = 6.2×10-9 m
×1.38×10−23 ×300 √3×9.11×1.38×3 10.64
Mean separation between two electrons n a metal, r = 2×10 -10m
λ 6.2×10−9
Therefore r = = 31
2×10−10
Thus the de Broglie wavelength is much greater than the given inter electron separation.

(5 Marks Questions)

35. 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 2.2 m/s?
h
Sol. de Broglie wavelength, λ = mv
6.63×10−34
(a) bullet = 0.040×1.0×103 = 1.7×10-35 m
6.63×10−34
(b) ball = = 1.1 ×10-32m
0.060×1.0
6.63×10−34
(c) particle = = 3.0×10-25m
1.0×10−9×2.2

36. Answer the following questions:

(a) Quarks inside protons and neutrons are thought to carry fractional charges [(+2/3)e ;
(−1/3)e]. Why do they not show up in Millikan’s oil-drop experiment?
(b) What is so special about the combination e/m? Why do we not simply talk
of e and m separately?
(c) Why should gases be insulators at ordinary pressures and start conducting at very low
pressures?
(d) Every metal has a definite work function. Why do all photoelectrons not come out
with the same energy if incident radiation is monochromatic? Why is there an energy
distribution of photoelectrons?
(e) The energy and momentum of an electron are related to the frequency and wavelength
of the associated matter wave by the relations:

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)
 E = hv, = p = h/
But while the value of λ is physically significant, the value of ν (and therefore, the value
317
of the phase speed νλ) has no physical significance. Why?
Sol. (a) Quarks are thought to be confined within a proton or neutron by forces which grow
stronger if one tries to pull them apart. It therefore seems that though fractional charges
may exist in nature, observable charges are still integral multiples of electronic charge e.
(b) Electric fields needed in the experiment with much bigger drops will be impractically
high.
(c) Stokes’ formula is valid for motion through a homogenous continuous medium. The
size of the drop should be much larger than the intermolecular separation in the medium
for this assumption to be valid, otherwise the drop ‘sees’ inhomogeneties in the medium,
i.e. there is concentrated mass density in the molecules, and voids in between the
molecules.
(d) Work function merely indicates the minimum energy required for the electrons in the
highest level of the conduction band to get out of the metal. Not all electrons in the metal
belong to this level. They occupy a continuous band of levels. Consequently for the same
incident radiation, electrons knocked off from different levels come out with different
energies.
(e) The de Broglie wavelength  = h/p of the matter wave of an electron has a fixed value
and  has physical significance. But he absolute value of energy E of any particle is
arbitrary to within an additive constant. Consequently, absolute value of frequency v of a
matter wave of an electron has no direct physical meaning. Likewise the phase speed v p =
v is not physically significant. However, the group speed of the mater wave is
physically significant and equals the speed of the particle as proved below.
As vp = v = /k
dω dv d(hv) dE d p2 p
Therefore group speed = dk
= 1 = h = dp = dp (2m) = m = particle speed.
d( ) d( )
λ λ

37. Describe Davisson and Germer experiment to establish that wave nature of electrons.
Draw a labeled diagram of the apparatus used

Sol. Davisson and Germer Experiment: In 1927 Davisson and Germer performed a diffraction
experiment with electron beam in analogy with X-ray diffraction to observe the wave nature of
matter.
Apparatus: It consists of three parts
(i) Electron Gun: It given a fine beam of electrons, de Broglie used electron beam of energy
54eV. de Broglie wavelength associated with this beam

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)
 λ=2mEKh
318
Here m=mass of electron =9.1×10−31kg
E-K=Kinetic energy of electron =54eV
=54×1.6×10−19joule=86.4×10−19joule
∴λ=2×9.1×10−31×86.4×10−196.6×10−24
=1.66×10−10m=1.66A∘
(i) Nickel Crystal: The electron beam was directed on nickel crystal against its (iii) face.
The smallest separation between nickel atoms is 0.914A∘. Nickel crystal behaves as diffraction
grating.
(ii) Electron Detector: It measures the intensity of electron beam diffracted from nickel crystal. It
may be an ionisation chamber fitted with a sensitive galvanometer. The energy of electron beam,
the angle of incidence of beam on nickel crystal and the position of detector can all be varied.
Method: The crystal is rotated in small steps to change the angle (α say) between incidence and
scattered directions and the corresponding intensity (I) of scattered beam is measured. The
variation of the intensity (I) of the scattered electrons with the angle of scattering α is obtained for
different accelerating voltages.
The experiment was performed by varying the accelerating voltage from 44V to 68V. It was
noticed that a strong peak appeared in the intensity (I) of the scattered electron for an accelerating
voltage of 54V at a scattering angle α=50∘
∴From Bragg's law
2dsin=θ=nλ
Here n=1,d=0.914 Å, θ=65°
The measured wavelength is in close agreement with the estimated de Broglie wavelength. Thus
the wave nature of electron is verified. Later on G.P. Thomson demonstrated the wave nature of
fast electrons. Due to their work Davission and G.P.Thomson were awarded Nobel prize in 1937.
Later on experiments showed that not only electrons but all material particles in motion(e.g.,
neutrons, α particles,protons etc.) show wave nature.

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)
 319

38. Draw a schematic diagram of the experimental arrangement used by Davisson and
Germer to establish the wave nature of electrons. Express the de Broglie wavelength
associated with electron in terms of the accelerating voltage V.
An electron and proton have the same kinetic energy. Which of the two will have larger
wavelength and why?
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D. CASE STUDY
1. Photocell: A photocell is a technological application of the photoelectric effect. It is a
device whose electrical properties are affected by light. It is also sometimes called an
electric eye. A photocell consists of semi cylindrical photo sensitive metal plate C
(emitter) and a wire loop A (collector) supported in an evacuated glass or quartz bulb. It
is connected to the external circuit having a high tension battery B and micro ammeter
(A).
Sometimes instead of the plate C, a thin layer of photosensitive material is pasted on the
inside of the bulb. A part of the bulb is left clean for the light to enter it. When light of
suitable wavelength falls on emitter C, photoelectrons are emitted. These photoelectrons
are drawn to the collector A. Photocurrent of the order of a few microampere can be
normally obtained from a photo cell. A photocell converts a change in intensity of
illumination into a change in photocurrent. This current can be used to operate control
systems and in light measuring devices.

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)
(i) Photocell is an application of
(a) thermoelectric effect (b) photoelectric effect 320
(c) photo resistive effect (d) none of these
Sol. (b)
Photocell is a technological application of the photoelectric effect.
(ii) Photosensitive material should be connected to
(a) –ve terminal of the battery (b) +ve terminal of the battery
(c) any one of (a) or (b) (d) connected to ground
Sol. (a)
Photosensitive material used as emitter should be connected to –ve terminal of the battery
so that the emitted electrons are repelled by emitter and collected by collector.
(iii) Which of the following statement is true?
(a) The photocell is totally painted black (b) A part of the photocell is left clean
(c) The photo cell is completely transparent (d) A part of the photocell is made black.
Sol. (b)
A part of the bulb is left clean for the light to enter in it.
(iv) The photocurrent generated s in the order of
(a) ampere (b) milliampere (c) microampere (d) none of these
Sol. (c)
Photocurrent of the order of a few microampere can be mormalluy obtained from a
photocell.
(v) A photocell converts a change in ___ of incident light into a change in ____.
(a) Intensity, photo-voltage (b) Wavelength, photo-voltage
(c) Frequency, photo-current (d) Intensity, photo-current
Sol. (d)
A photocell converts a change in the intensity of illumination into a change in
photocurrent.

2. A photon is the smallest discrete amount or quantum of electromagnetic radiation. It is

the basic unit of all light.
According to Einstein, photons have energy equal to their frequency times Planck’s
constant. The intensity of the light corresponds to the number of photons.
The basic properties of photons are:
(i) They have zero mass and rest energy. They only exists as moving particles.
(ii) They are elementary particles despite lacking rest mass.
(iii) They have no electric charge.
(iv) They are stable.
(v) They carry energy and momentum which are dependent on the frequency.
(vi) They can have interactions with other particles such as electrons, such as the
Compton effect.

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)
 (vii) They can be destroyed or created by many natural processes, for instance when
radiation is absorbed or emitted. 321
(viii)In free space, they travel at the speed of light.
(i) Photons have energy equal to their frequency times
(a) Rydberg’s constant (b) Planck’s constant
(c) Avogadro’s constant (d) Boltzmann constant
Sol. (b)
Photons have energy equal to their frequency times Planck’s constant, E = hv.
(ii) The intensity of the light correspond to
(a) Number of photons (b) Speed of photons
(c) Energy of photons (d) Frequency of photons
Sol. (a)
(iii) Charge of a photon is
(a) – e (b) + e (c) 0 (d )none of these
Sol. (c)
(iv) Which of the following statement is wrong?
(a) Photons only exist as moving particles (b) Photons carry energy and momentum
(c) Mass of a photon is equal to mass of electron
(d) Photons travel at the speed of light.
Sol. (c)
Photons have zero mass .
(v) Which of the following statements is wrong?
(a) Photons can neither be destroyed nor created.
(b) Photons can have interactions with other particles.
(c) Photons are elementary particles (d) Photon is the basic unit of light.
Sol. (a)
Photons can be destroyed or created by many natural professes, for instance when
radiation is absorbed or emitted.

E. ASSERTION-REASON TYPE QUESTIONS

(a) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of
assertion.
(c) If assertion is true but reason is false (d) If both assertion and reason are false
(e) If assertion is false but reason is true.
1. Assertion: Cathode rays get deflected by electric or magnetic fields but light rays remain
unaffected by these fields.
Reason: Light rays are electromagnetic waves and not charged particles.
Ans. (a) Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)
 Cathode rays contain electrons, hence they are deflected by both electric and magnetic
fields. On the other hand, light waves are electromagnetic in nature. They do not consist 322
of charged particles. Hence on passing through the fields, light rays remain unaffected.
2. Assertion: An electron is not deflected on passing through certain region of space. This
observation confirms that there is no magnetic field in that region.
Reason: The deflection of electron depends on angle between velocity of electron and
direction of magnetic field.
Ans. (e) Assertion is false but reason is true.
If electron is moving parallel to the magnetic field, then the electron is not deflected i.e. if
electron is not deflected we cannot be sure that there is no magnetic field in that region.
3. Assertion: Light is produced in gases in the process of electric discharge through them at
high pressure.
Reason: At high pressure electrons does not take place at very low pressure in gases.
Ans. (d) Both assertion and reason are false.
Light is produced in gases in the process of electric discharge at low pressure. When
accelerated electrons collide with atoms of the gas, atoms get excited. The excited atoms
return to their normal state and in this process light radiation are emitted.
4. Assertion: Electric discharge does not take place at very low pressure in gases.
Reason: At low pressure the gas starts converting itself into the liquid state.
Ans. (c) Assertion is true but reason is false
When the battery of gas becomes very low i.e. 10-4 mm of mercury or below, then the
number of atoms in the gas is so much reduced that sufficient positive ions are not
available. As a result of this, electrons lost are not emitted from the cathode i.e. discharge
current reduces to zero. In order to convert gases to liquids very high pressure and low
temperature (below critical temperature for each gas) is necessary.
5. Assertion: An electric field is preferred in comparison to magnetic field for deflecting the
electron beam in a television picture tube.
Reason: Electric field require low voltage.
Ans. (d) Both assertion and reason are false.
If electric field is used for detecting the electron beam, then very high voltage will have
to be applied or very long tube will have to be taken.

F. CHALLENGING PROBLEMS
1. Light of intensity 10−5 W m−2 falls on a sodium photo-cell of surface area 2 cm2.
Assuming that the top 5 layers of sodium absorb the incident energy, estimate time
required for photoelectric emission in the wave-picture of radiation. The work function
for the metal is given to be about 2 eV. What is the implication of your answer?
Sol. Suppose sodium has ne conduction electron available per atom.
Effective atomic area = 10-20 m2
5×Area of 1 layer
Therefore number of conduction electrons in 5 layers = Effective atomic area

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)
 5×2×10−4 m2
= = 1017
10−20 m2
Energy Power
323
Now intensity = Area×Time = Area
Therefore incident power = incident intensity × area = 10-5 Wm-2 × 2 × 10-4 m2
= 2 × 10-9W
In terms of wave picture, incident power is uniformly absorbed by all the electrons
continuously.
2×10−9
Therefore energy absorbed per second (or power) per electron = = 2×10-26W
1017
Energy required per eelctron
Time required for photoelectron emission = Energy absorbed per second per electron
2eV 2×1.6×10−19 J 7
= 2×10−26 W = = 1.6×10 s = 0.5 year [Given W0 = 2eV]
2×1026 Js−1
Implication: Experimentally, photoelectric emission is observed nearly instantaneously
(=10-9s). Thus the wave picture is in gross disagreement with experiment.

2. (a) Estimate the speed with which electrons emitted from a heated emitter of an
evacuated tube impinge on the collector maintained at a potential difference of 500 V
with respect to the emitter. Ignore the small initial speeds of the electrons. The specific
charge of the electron, i.e., its e/m is given to be 1.76 × 1011 C kg−1.
(b) Use the same formula you employ in (a) to obtain electron speed for an collector
potential of 10 MV. Do you see what is wrong? In what way is the formula to be
modified?
Sol. (a) Here V = 500V, e/m = 1.76×1011 Ckg-1, v = ?
Ek = ½ mv2 = eV
2eV
Therefore v = √ = √2 × 1.7 × 1011 × 500 = 1.33 ms-1
m

(b) Here V = 10MV = 107V

Therefore v = √2 × 1.7 × 1011 × 107 = 1.88×109 ms-1.
This speed is not possible because no particle can have a speed greater thant eh speed of
light (3×108 ms-1). At speeds comparable to the speed of light, we need to use the
relativistic formula.
Ek = mc2 – m0c2 = (n – m0)c2
m0 c2 eV 1 eV 1
Or eV = 2
− m0 c 2 Or m 2 = 2
− 1 Or m 2 +1 = 2
√1−v2 0c √1−v2 0c √1−v2
c c c
1.6×10−19 ×107 1
Substituting the various value in LHS we get 9.1×10−31 ×(3×108 )2 + 1 = 2
√1−v2
c
1
Or 19.536+1= 2
√1−v2
c
v2 1
Or 1 − c2 = (20.536)2 = 0.00237

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)
 v2
Or c2 = 1 − 0.00237 = 0.99763 or v = √0.99763c = 0.999c
324

SPACE FOR ROUGH WORK

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)
 325

SPACE FOR NOTES

Er. Ujwal Kumar (Physics Mentor for NEET/ JEE-Mains, Adv/ KVPY/OLYMPIAD/CBSE)