Question

Light striking a metal surface causes electrons to be emitted from the metal via the photoelectric effect.In a particular experiment to study the photoelectric effect, the frequency of the incident light and the temperature of the metal are held constant. Assuming that the light incident on the metal surface causes electrons to be ejected from the metal, what happens if the intensity of the incident light is increased?Check all that apply.A. The work function of the metal decreases.B. The number of electrons emitted from the metal per second increases.C. The maximum speed of the emitted electrons increases.D. The stopping potential increases.

Answer 1

The number of electrons emitted from the metal per second increases if the intensity of the incident light is increased.

Answer: Option B

Explanation:

As a result of photoelectric effect, electrons are emitted by the light incident on a metal surface. The emitted electrons count and its kinetic energy can measure as the function of light intensity and frequency. Like physicists, at the 20th century beginning, it should be expected that the light wave's energy (its intensity) will be transformed into the kinetic energy of emitted electrons.

In addition, the electrons count emitting from metal must vary with light wave frequency. This frequency relationship was expected because the electric field oscillates due to the light wave and the metal electrons react to different frequencies. In other words, the number of electrons emitted was expected to be frequency dependent and their kinetic energy should be dependent on the intensity (constant wavelength) of light.

Thus, the maximum in kinetic energy of electrons emitted increases with increase in light's frequency and is experimentally independent of light intensity. So, the number of emitted electrons is proportionate to the intensity of the incident light.