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Phy310 Exp2

The experiment aims to determine the maximum kinetic energy of photoelectrons emitted from a photocell when light of a certain frequency is applied. It utilizes the photoelectric effect and involves measuring the current produced by photoelectrons while adjusting the stopping potential until the current reaches zero. The methodology includes setting up the apparatus, recording data, and analyzing the results to calculate the stopping potential and maximum kinetic energy.

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356 views3 pages

Phy310 Exp2

The experiment aims to determine the maximum kinetic energy of photoelectrons emitted from a photocell when light of a certain frequency is applied. It utilizes the photoelectric effect and involves measuring the current produced by photoelectrons while adjusting the stopping potential until the current reaches zero. The methodology includes setting up the apparatus, recording data, and analyzing the results to calculate the stopping potential and maximum kinetic energy.

Uploaded by

syairaa284
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Laboratory MANUAL PHY310

Modern Physics

Experiment 2. THE KINETIC ENERGY OF PHOTOELECTRONS

Objective
To determine the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons emitted from the photocell.

Theory
When light of certain frequency falls on a metal surface, photoelectrons are emitted by a process
known as the photoelectric effect. According to the Einstein photoelectric equation, light photons will
transfer their energies to these electrons. Generally, if a photon of frequency 𝜈 falls on a metal surface,
then the energy of the photoelectron is

ℎ𝜈 = 𝐾 + 𝑊 . (2.1)
ℎ: Planck’s constant.

𝐾: kinetic energy of the photoelectron.

𝑊 : work function of the metal.

In this experiment, the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons emitted from a photocell will
be determined. The photoelectron from the photocell will produce current.

If a negative potential is connected to the anode of the photocell, the amount of the photoelectrons
that reach cathode is reduced due to the Coulomb’s force. Then, if the magnitude of the potential is
further increased, it will reach a point where the photoelectron current is 0 A. This is when the
potential energy is equal to the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons, which can be written
as

𝑒𝑉 = 𝐾. (2.2)
𝑒: charge of electron, 1.602 × 10 C.
𝑉 : stopping potential.

Methodology
Apparatus
1. 1 set of potentiometer
2. DC Power supply
3. Light bulb
4. Photocell
5. Ammeter (Digital multimeter)
6. Potential jockey
7. Retort stand with clips
8. A switch
9. Wires

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Laboratory MANUAL PHY310
Modern Physics

Procedure
1. Set-up the experiment as the Figure 2.1 below.
2. Set the distance between the bulb and the photocell to be 5 to 10 mm.
3. Switch on the light bulb.
4. Close switch S and use the jockey along the potentiometer exposed wire.
5. Take the initial distance from A to jockey, C at 5 cm.
6. Record the current using ammeter.
7. Increase jockey distance AC by constant increment. Record the current at each distance.
8. Stop taking data once the current is negative.
9. Open the circuit and measure the power supply potential as 𝑉 .

Lamp
Photocell

X Jockey

A B
Potentiometer C

Figure 2.1. Experiment 2 diagram.

Analysis
Potential 𝑉 =

Table 2.1 Recording table.

No. Distance AC, 𝑋 Current, 𝐼


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

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Laboratory MANUAL PHY310
Modern Physics

10

1. Plot the graph of 𝐼 against 𝑋.


2. Determine the value of 𝑋 when the current 𝐼 = 0 A. Label it as 𝑋 .
3. Show that the potential across 𝑋 can be written as

𝑉𝑋
𝑉 = , 𝐿: 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓 AB. (2.3)
𝐿
4. Using equation (2.3), calculate the stopping potential 𝑉 across 𝑋 .
5. Calculate the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectron.

Questions
1. If the frequency of the light is increased, what is the effect on the stopping potential?
2. Discuss the sources of errors in this experiment.

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