Ahmad Haikal bin Ahmad Mochtar JP/10732/19

What is the maximum work function of a metal for incident visible light (380-750 nm) to eject
photoelectrons?

The formula of maximum kinetic energy emitted by electrons, K = E – Work function.

E = hf = hc/λ

For photoelectrons to be ejected, the value of energy of photons must exceed the work
function of metal, E > Work function.

Thus, to find the maximum work function of metal for visible light to eject photoelectrons,
we find the maximum energy of visible light. To do so, we take the visible light with the
lowest wavelength (highest frequency), as energy is inversely related to the wavelength of
light spectrum.

E = hc/λ

6.63𝑥10−34 𝑥3𝑥108
𝐸=
380 𝑥 10−9

E = 5.234𝑥10−19 𝐽

Converting it to eV, E = 3.27eV.

The maximum work function for a metal to allow visible light to eject photoelectrons is
3.27eV.