A) We want to find the work function of the potassium. Apply this equation:
E = 1243/λ - Φ
E = energy of photoelectron, λ = incoming light wavelength, Φ = potassium work function
Given values:
E = 2.93eV, λ = 240nm
Plug in and solve for Φ:
2.93 = 1243/240 - Φ
Φ = 2.25eV
B) We want to find the threshold wavelength, i.e. find the wavelength such that the energy E of the photoelectrons is 0eV. Plug in E = 0eV and Φ = 2.25eV and solve for the threshold wavelength λ:
E = 1243/λ - Φ
0 = 1243/λ - Φ
0 = 1243/λ - 2.25
λ = 552nm
C) We want to find the frequency associated with the threshold wavelength. Apply this equation:
c = fλ
c = speed of light in a vacuum, f = frequency, λ = wavelength
Given values:
c = 3×10⁸m/s, λ = 5.52×10⁻⁷m
Plug in and solve for f:
3×10⁸ = f(5.52×10⁻⁷)
f = 5.43×10¹⁴Hz
