1 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1

6. PHOTOELECTRIC EFFECT – FINAL EXAMS REVISION

Photoelectric Effect

What is the PHOTO-ELECTRIC EFFECT?

The photoelectric effect is the emission of electrons from the surface of a substance when light
is shone onto it.

This does not happen for any type of light or metal.

Certain conditions must be met.

Study the ANALOGY.

To buy the goods, the incoming customer must have sufficient money to pay for the goods.
He can leave with change.

In a similar way, an incoming photon of light must have sufficient energy to "buy"
(eject) an electron from the metal.
All the excess energy ("change") becomes the kinetic energy of the ejected electrons
(photoelectrons). Easy!

Unrealistic values are used below, but the example is just to show you the names and
relationships between the various energies

NGWENYA PT 1
 2 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1

For electrons to be emitted, the incoming light (photon) must have sufficient energy to overcome
the work function of the metal to free the electrons.

These free electrons can now be used as electricity as in solar cells.

What does the Photoelectric Effect tell us about the nature of light?
(What is the significance of the photoelectric effect?)

The photoelectric effect:

1. Confirms that light has a particle nature.

2. Establishes the quantum theory (light energy is quantized)

Quanta:
• packages of energy (energy unit)
• radiated energy is quantized
• it exists in multiples of a smallest possible value

Photons:
• quanta of electromagnetic radiation
• the incoming (incident) light

Photoelectrons:
electrons that are ejected from the metal

The PHOTO ELECTRIC EFFECT shows that light has a PARTICLE NATURE

• the particle nature of light is more pronounced at the high frequency end of the spectrum
• the wave nature of light is more pronounced at the low frequency end of the spectrum

DUAL NATURE of LIGHT

Since light can behave both as a particle or as a wave, it is said that light has a dual nature.
(dual means 2)

It is said that light travels as a wave, but interacts as a particle when it strikes a substance.

NGWENYA PT 2
3 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1

Photoelectric Effect Equations

Equation to convert frequency to energy.

𝑬𝑬 = 𝒉𝒉𝒉𝒉
• E : energy of photon, units J
• h : this is Planks constant.
value of 6,63 x 10-34 J.s
• f : frequency f the light , units Hz

Equation to convert wavelength to frequency

𝒄𝒄 = 𝝀𝝀𝝀𝝀
• c : speed of light, units m.s-1
constant value of 3 x 108 m.s-1
• λ : wavelength, measured in meters

Threshold frequency and Work function.

Work Function (Wo) is defined as the minimum amount of energy required to remove an electron
from the surface of a substance

Cut-off frequency (fo) (threshold frequency) is defined as lowest frequency of light that will eject
electrons from the surface of a metal.

Wo = hfo

If the frequency of the incident radiation is greater than the cut-off frequency (fo), then the energy of
each photon will be greater than the work function of the metal. This means that electrons at the
surface of the metal will be ejected with extra energy in the form of kinetic energy.

Different metals have different cut off frequencies and Work function.

• Different metals have different ionisation energies

• Different metals attract electrons with different forces.
• So metals will need different amount of ionisation energy to remove electrons from the
surface of their metals.

NGWENYA PT 3
4 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1

Photoelectric Equation

• E : energy of the photon

• W0 : work function of the metal
• Ek(max) : kinetic energy of the photoelectrons

Mass of an electron me and Kinetic Energy

The mass of an electron is = 9,11 𝚡𝚡 10-31

You would need this mass if you wanted to calculate the actual speed of a photoelectron from
kinetic energy:

What is the effect of:

• Intensity (brightness, power)

• and Frequency on the Photoelectric effect?

INTENSITY (brightness, power)

The following diagram shows a dim light of frequency f being used to perform the photoelectric
effect.

What would happen if the light was made brighter, with the same frequency f?
There would be MORE electrons released since there would be more beams of light.

But the kinetic energies of each electron would remain unchanged.

NGWENYA PT 4
5 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1

It is important to note that if this was a solar cell, more current would flow due to the increased
number of electrons, i.e. the brighter light increases the current strength due to the increase in
the number of electrons.

In other words:
Brighter light:
• More photons (packets of energy) strike the surface of the metal per unit time.
• More (photo) electrons ejected per unit time.
• hence produces a greater current in a solar cell
• but does not increase the kinetic energies of each of the photoelectrons

FREQUENCY

The following diagram shows a light of frequency f being used to perform the photoelectric effect.

What would happen if the frequency was increased? (Not the intensity.)

The photons would now have greater energy (140J). But since the work function of the metal is
still the same, the kinetic energy of the photoelectrons would increase (60J).
(But the same number of electrons would be ejected since the photon was not made brighter.)

In other words:
Higher frequency light:
• Increase in frequency increases the energy of each photon of light
• This increases the kinetic energy of each ejected photoelectron.
• Increases the kinetic energy of each photoelectron would not change the number of
electrons ejected, number of electrons remain the same.
• The current remains the same

NGWENYA PT 5
6 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1

ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM

Visible spectra

• Continuous Spectrum
• Line Emission Spectrum
• Line Absorption Spectrum

Spectra reveals the structure of the atom.

Electrons in different levels affect the incoming light differently, hence the light out-put
(spectra) shows this.

Spectrum

Different atoms, due to different arrangement of electrons, absorb (and emit) different frequencies
of light. The light that is emitted can be made to produce patterns (spectra) and this can be used to
identify the actual atoms involved.

Essentially, you shine white light through some atoms in the gaseous state, and observe how the
light gets affected. The picture formed by the light (spectrum), then tells about the structure of the
atom itself. It is the electron arrangement inside the atoms that actually absorbs the light when it
passes through

NGWENYA PT 6
7 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1

Triangular Glass Prism

This is a triangular piece of solid glass that is used to separate (disperse) light into different
directions thus making it possible to view each frequency separately. Otherwise all the frequencies
of the light will overlap, and cannot be identified individually. In other words, this prism refracts the
light into separate directions.

Shine ordinary light

Continuous Spectrum

Here light is shone directly through the prism, and a Continuous Spectrum is formed.

Shine ordinary light, first through HOT gas.

Line Emission Spectrum

NGWENYA PT 7
8 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1

Since the light is affected (changed) because it went through the hot gas first, the spectrum
produced is different. Most of the light has disappeared! They have actually been absorbed by the
atoms of the gas!
Just a few lines are produced, hence this is called a Line Emission Spectrum
This is like a bar-code. Each gas through which the light passes, produces a unique pattern. So
these patterns can be used to identify an unknown gas!

Shine ordinary light, first through COOL gas.

Line Absorption Spectrum

Most of the spectrum is still there, just a few lines are missing. These lines of colour (frequencies)
have been absorbed by the gas, leaving the rest to come through to the prism. And hence form this
pattern. This is called a Line Absorption Spectrum

Comparing emission and absorption spectra of Hydrogen

Emission spectrum

Absorption spectrum

The frequencies/wavelengths of light that are absorbed by cold the hydrogen gas correspond
exactly to the frequencies/wavelengths of light that are emitted by hot hydrogen gas.

Line absorption spectra are produced when specific photons of light are absorbed by electrons,
which then make transitions to higher energy levels within the atom.

The wavelengths missing in an absorption spectrum are those present in the line emission
spectrum of the same element.

Which a cold element will absorb the same frequencies/ wavelength it emits when hot.

NGWENYA PT 8
 9 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1

Summary table for spectra

Type of Continuous spectrum Line emission spectrum Absorption spectrum

spectrum
Example

Source Produced by white hot dense Hot gases under low Produced when white ligh
substances. e.g. the Sun, the pressure. e.g. gas discharge passes through a cold gas
tungsten filament of a lamp. tube. at low pressure.
Transition of Many transitions between Electrons make transitions Electrons make transitions
electrons energy levels are possible; all from higher energy levels to from lower energy levels to
wavelengths of light are lower energy levels. higher energy levels.
emitted.
Photons Photons of all energies are Photons of specific energies Photons of specific energies
emitted/ emitted. are emitted. are absorbed.
absorbed

Energy of the emitted photons

When an excited electron falls to a lower energy level it emits a photon. The energy of the emitted
photon (E = hf ) depends on the difference in energy between the two levels:

hf = Ef – Ei

ΔEelectron = Ef – Ei; E = h f and c = 𝛌𝛌f

NGWENYA PT 9
10 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1

Recap
1. What is meant by the photoelectric effect?
This is the process whereby electrons are ejected from a metal surface when light of suitable
frequency is incident on that surface.

2. What is meant by threshhold frequency?

This is the minimum frequency of light needed to emit electrons from a certain metal surface.

3. In what units is Work Function measured?

Joules J

4. What is meant by Work Function?

This is the minimum energy that an electron in the metal needs to be emitted from the metal
surface.

5. What is the significance of the photoelectric effect?

The photoelectric effect
• confirms that light has a particle nature
• establishes the quantum theory (light energy is quantized)

6. What does the term "quanta" mean?

The term "quanta" is plural for "quantum".
• Energy exists in packages (energy unit called quantum)
• Radiated energy is quantized
• i.e. energy exists in multiples of a smallest possible value

7. What is meant by the term "photon?

• quanta of electromagnetic radiation
• the actual incoming light

8. What are photoelectrons?

These are the electrons that are ejected by the light. They are ordinary electrons.

9. Is the photoelectric effect more pronounced at higher or lower frequencies of light?

• higher frequencies
• At higher frequencies they have greater energy.

10. What is meant by the phrase "the dual nature of light"?

• light can behave both as a particle or as a wave.

11. The frequency of a photon of light is 3 x 1015 Hz. It is shone onto nickel metal which has a work
function of 8 x 10-19J. 1.

NGWENYA PT 10
11 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1

11.1. Calculate the energy of the photon.

11.2. Calculate the kinetic energy of the ejected electrons.

11.3. Calculate the speed of the electrons.

11.4. What would happen to the photo-electron speed if the same light was made brighter?

EXAMPLES

QUESTION 1

1.1 The photoelectric effect is evidence of the fact that …

A metals contain electrons.
B light has a particle nature.
C light has a wave nature.
D metals have a positive charge. (2)

1.2 In an experiment on the photoelectric effect, a scientist shines red light on a metal surface
and observes that electrons are ejected from the metal surface. Later the scientist shines
blue light, with the same intensity as the red light, on the same metal surface.
Which ONE of the statements below will be the CORRECT observation as a result of this
change?
A The number of ejected electrons per second will increase.
B The number of ejected electrons per second will decrease.
C The speed of the ejected electrons will decrease.
D The maximum kinetic energy of the ejected electrons will increase. (2)

1.3 The possible atomic transitions in an excited atom of an element are shown below.
Which transition will produce the spectral line with the longest wavelength?

NGWENYA PT 11
12 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1

A P
B Q
C R
D S (2)

1.4 The diagram below shows four energy levels of an atom. The transition of the atom from
higher energy levels to lower energy levels results in the emission of a photon.
Which ONE of the following transitions will lead to the emission of a photon with the
shortest wavelength?
A From energy level E2 to energy level E1
B From energy level E3 to energy level E0
C From energy level E3 to energy level E2
D From energy level E1 to energy level E0 (2)

1.5 When light of a certain wavelength is incident on a metal surface, no electrons are ejected.
Which ONE of the following changes may result in electrons being ejected from the metal
surface?
A Increase the intensity of the light.
B Use light with a much shorter wavelength.
C Use metal with a larger work function.
D Increase the surface area of the metal. (2)
[10]
QUESTION 1 (June 2015)
2.1 In the diagram below, green and blue light are successively shone on a metal surface. In
each case, electrons are ejected from the surface.

2.1.1 What property of light is illustrated by the photoelectric effect? (1)

2.1.2 Without any calculation, give a reason why the maximum kinetic energy of an
ejected electron, using blue light, is GREATER THAN that obtained using green
light, for the same metal surface. (2)

NGWENYA PT 12
13 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1

2.2 The wavelength associated with the cut-off frequency of a certain metal is 330 nm.
2.2.1 Calculate the work function of the metal (4)
2.2.2 Calculate the maximum speed of an electron ejected from the surface of the metal
when light of frequency 1,2 x 1015 Hz is shone on the metal (5)
[12]
QUESTION 3 (Examplar 2014)

Graph P below shows how the maximum kinetic energy of electrons emitted from the cathode of a
photoelectric cell varies with the frequency of the incident radiation.

3.1 Define the term work function. (2)

3.2 Calculate the

3.2.1 Work function of the metal used as cathode in the photocell (3)

3.2.2 Velocity of photoelectrons emitted when the frequency of the incident light is
8 x 1014 Hz (5)

3.3 The photocell is now replaced with another one in which the work function of the cathode is
TWICE that of the metal in the first cell.

The maximum kinetic energy versus frequency graph, Q, for this cathode is now drawn on
the same set of axes as graph P.

3.3.1 How will the gradient of graph Q compare to that of graph P? Write down GREATER
THAN, SMALLER THAN or EQUAL TO. Explain the answer. (2)
3.3.2 What will the value of the x-intercept of graph Q be? Explain how you arrived at the

NGWENYA PT 13
14 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1

Answer. (2)
[14]

QUESTION 4 (EC SEPTEMBER 2014)

Learners in a physics class perform an experiment using a photo cell to investigate the relationship
between photo electrons emitted and the frequency of the incident light.

A graph is plotted of the maximum kinetic energy (Ek) against the frequency of the incident light.
When the straight line graph is extrapolated, it intercepts the x-axis at fo = 4,29 x 1014 Hz.

4.1 Write an investigative question for this investigation. (2)

4.2 What is the frequency, fo, in the graph called? (1)
4.3 Calculate the frequency, fx, in the graph. (5)
4.4 Draw a sketch-graph of the kinetic energy of the photo-electrons (on the y-axis) versus the
intensity of the incident light. (No values needed on the graph.) (3)
4.5 The sketch below shows an example of a line emission spectrum.

NGWENYA PT 14
15 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1

4.5.1 Briefly explain how this type of spectrum is formed by referring to electron
transitions in atoms. (2)

4.5.2 Write down ONE important use of line emission spectra. (1)
[14]
Electrons in excited state fall back to ground state/ lower energy state.
Energy radiated as light.

To identify elements.
Accepted
To determine the temperature of stars/ Fluorescent lights/ Neon signs./

QUESTION 5 (Mar. 2016)

An investigation was conducted to determine the effects of changes in frequency AND intensity on
the current generated in a photoelectric cell when light is incident on it.
The apparatus used in the investigation is shown in the simplified diagram below.

The results of the experiment are shown in the table below.

NGWENYA PT 15
16 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1

5.1 Define the term work function. (2)

5.2 Identify an independent variable. (1)
The threshold frequency for the metal used in the photocell is 5,001 x 1014 Hz.
5.3 Define the term threshold frequency. (2)
5.4 Calculate the maximum speed of an emitted electron in experiment F. (5)
In experiments D and E, the current doubled when the intensity was doubled at the same
frequency.
5.5 What conclusion can be made from this observation? (2)
[12]

QUESTION 6 (November 2015)

In an experiment to demonstrate the photoelectric effect, light of different wavelengths was shone
onto a metal surface of a photoelectric cell. The maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons
was determined for the various wavelengths and recorded in the table below.

6.1 What is meant by the term photoelectric effect? (2)

1
6.2 Draw a graph of Ek(max) (y-axis) versus (x-axis) ON A GRAPH PAPER. (3)
𝜆𝜆

6.3 USE THE GRAPH to determine:

6.3.1 The threshold frequency of the metal in the photoelectric cell (4)

NGWENYA PT 16
17 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1

6.3.2 Planck's constant (4)

[13]

___________________________________65 marks___________________________________

SOLUTIONS TO EXAMPLES

NGWENYA PT 17
18 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1

EXAM TUTORIAL 6

QUESTION 1

1.1 In an experiment on the photoelectric effect, the frequency of the incident light is high
enough to cause the removal of electrons from the surface of the metal.

The number of electrons ejected from the metal surface is proportional to the …
A kinetic energy of the electrons.
B number of incident photons.
C work function of the metal.
D frequency of the incident light. (2)

1.2 A line emission spectrum is formed when an excited atom moves from a...
A higher to a lower energy level and releases energy
B higher to a lower energy level and absorbs energy
C lower to a higher energy level and releases energy
D lower to a higher energy level and absorbs energy (2)

1.3 Which ONE of the following graphs best represents the relationship between the maximum
kinetic energy of the emitted photoelectrons and the intensity of the incident radiation?

NGWENYA PT 18
19 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1

1.4 When light of a certain frequency is incident on the cathode of a photocell, the ammeter in
the circuit registers a reading.

The frequency of the incident light is now increased while keeping the intensity constant.
Which ONE of the following correctly describes the reading on the ammeter and the reason
for this reading?

1.5 Light spectra help to identify elements. White light is passed through a cold gas and then
through a prism as shown in the sketch below.

NGWENYA PT 19
20 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1

What type of spectrum is observed on the screen?

A Line absorption spectrum
B Line emission spectrum
C Continuous absorption spectrum
D Continuous emission spectrum (2)
[10]

QUESTION 2 (June 2017)

A simplified diagram of an apparatus for an experiment to investigate the photoelectric effect is
shown below. Light of a fixed frequency is incident on the cathode of a photoelectric tube. During
the experiment the ammeter (A) registers the photocurrent.

2.1 Define the term photoelectric effect. (2)

The intensity of the incident light is now increased.

2.2 State how this increase in intensity will affect the reading on the ammeter. Choose from
INCREASE, DECREASE or REMAIN THE SAME.

Give a reason for the answer. (3)

When the frequency of the incident light is 5,9 x 1014 Hz, the maximum recorded kinetic energy of
photoelectrons is 2,9 x 10-19 J.

2.3 Calculate the maximum wavelength (threshold wavelength) of the incident light that will emit
an electron from the cathode of the photo-electric tube. (5)

The maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons ejected increases when light of a higher
frequency is used.

NGWENYA PT 20
21 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1

2.4 Use the photoelectric equation to explain this observation. (2)

[12]

QUESTION 3 (EC/SEPTEMBER 2015)

The simplified diagram below illustrates how an emitter, when light shines on it, emits electrons.

3.1 What phenomenon is displayed in the diagram? (1)

The incident monochromatic light transfers energy to the emitter. The emitter releases 1,01 x 109
photo-electrons per second. The threshold frequency of the emitter is 1,21 x 1015 Hz.
(NOTE: ONE photon releases ONE electron.)
3.2 Define the term threshold frequency (cut-off frequency). (2)
3.3 Calculate the current flowing through the ammeter. (5)
3.4 The brightness of the incident light is now decreased.
What effect will this change have on the current strength in QUESTION 3.3?
Write down INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAIN THE SAME. (1)
3.5 The emitter is replaced by another one with a threshold frequency greater than 1,21 x 1015
Hz. The same monochromatic light was used.
3.5.1 How does this change have an effect on the kinetic energy of the photoelectrons
released?
Write down only GREATER THAN, SMALLER THAN or STAYS THE SAME. (1)
3.5.2 Explain your answer in QUESTION 3.5.1. (2)

NGWENYA PT 21
22 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1

3.6 White light shines through a cold diluted gas and photons with specific frequencies are
absorbed and appear as black lines in the continuous spectrum.
Differentiate between an absorption spectrum and a line emission spectrum. (2)
[14]

QUESTION 4 (Nov 2016.)

4.1 A learner is investigating the photoelectric effect for two different metals, silver and sodium,
using light of different frequencies. The maximum kinetic energy of the emitted
photoelectrons is plotted against the frequency of the light for each of the metals, as shown
in the graphs below.

4.1.1 Define the term threshold frequency. (2)

4.1.2 Which metal, sodium or silver, has the larger work function? Explain the answer. (3)
4.1.3 Name the physical constant represented by the slopes of the graphs. (1)
4.1.4 If light of the same frequency is shone on each of the metals, in which metal will the
ejected photoelectrons have a larger maximum kinetic energy? (1)
4.2 In a different photoelectric experiment blue light obtained from a light bulb is shone onto a
metal plate and electrons are released.
The wavelength of the blue light is 470 x 10-9 m and the bulb is rated at 60 mW. The bulb is
only 5% efficient.
4.2.1 Calculate the number of photons that will be incident on the metal plate per second,
assuming all the light from the bulb is incident on the metal plate. (5)
4.2.2 Without any further calculation, write down the number of electrons emitted per
second from the metal. (1)
[13]

NGWENYA PT 22
23 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1

QUESTION 5(June 2016)

5.1 In an experiment on the photoelectric effect, light is incident on the surface of a metal and
electrons are ejected.
5.1.1 What does the photoelectric effect indicate about the nature of light? (1)
5.1.2 The intensity of the light is increased. Will the maximum speed of the ejected
electrons INCREASE, DECREASE or REMAIN THE SAME? Give a reason for the
answer. (2)
The wavelength corresponding with the threshold frequency is referred to as threshold
wavelength.
The table below gives the values of threshold wavelengths for three different metals.

In the experiment using one of the metals above, the maximum speed of the ejected
electrons was recorded as 4,76 x 105 m·s-1 for light of wavelength 420 nm.
5.1.3 Identify the metal used in the experiment by means of suitable calculations. (5)
5.2 The simplified energy diagrams showing the possible electron transitions in an atom are
shown

Using the letters P, Q, R and S, identify the lines that CORRECTLY show transitions that
will result in the atom giving off an EMISSION SPECTRUM.
Give a reason for the answer. (4)

NGWENYA PT 23
24 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1

Q and S
Emission spectra occur when excited atoms /electrons drop from higher energy levels to lower
energy levels.
(Characteristic frequencies are emitted.)

QUESTION 6
During an experiment to determine the work function of a certain metal light of different frequencies
was shone on the metal surface and the corresponding kinetic energies of the photoelectrons were
recorded as shown in the table below.

6.1 Define the term work function. (2)

6.2 Use the data in the table above to draw a graph of kinetic energy versus frequency on the
graph paper provided. (5)

6.3 Extrapolate your graph to cut the X-axis.

6.3.1 What is the frequency at the point of intercept? (2)

6.3.2 What term is used to describe this frequency? (1)

6.4 Use your graph to determine the work function of the metal. (3)
[14]

Minimum amount of energy needed to remove an electron from the surface of a metal/conducting
material.

NGWENYA PT 24
25 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1

fo = 5,4 x 1014 Hz

Threshold frequency

___________________________________65 marks___________________________________

SOLUTIONS TO EXAM TUTORIAL 5

NGWENYA PT 25
26 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1

NGWENYA PT 26
27 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1

MCQ (Recap)
1.1 What is meant by the photoelectric effect?
A emission of protons from the surface of a substance when light is shone onto it
B emission of electrons from the surface of a substance when light is shone onto it
C emission of neutrons from the surface of a substance when light is shone onto it
D emission of atoms from the surface of a substance when light is shone onto it (2)

1.2 What is the minimum amount of energy required to remove an electron from the surface of
a substance?
A photon energy
B kinetic energy
C potential energy
D work function (2)

1.3 What is "threshold frequency" (cut off frequency)?

A highest frequency of light that can cause ejection of electrons from a substance
B lowest wavelength of light that can cause ejection of electrons from a substance
C lowest frequency of light that can cause ejection of electrons from a substance
D frequency at which light cuts off (2)

1.4 A certain frequency of light is shone on a metal. No photoelectric emission of electrons

occur. What would happen of the light is made brighter?
A electrons would now be immediately ejected
B electrons would still not be ejected
C protons would be ejected
D electrons would be ejected after a while (2)

1.5 Light reaching the Earth from a galaxy moving away is shifted towards …
A Greater velocities
B Higher frequencies
C Longer wavelengths
D Shorter wavelengths (2)

1.6 An atom in its ground state absorbs energy E and is excited to a higher energy state. When
the atom returns to the ground state, a photon with energy...
A E is absorbed.
B E is released.
C less than E is released.
D less than E is absorbed. (2)

1.7 Light of a certain frequency is incident on a metal surface and photoelectrons are emitted
from the surface.

If the INTENSITY of the same light is increased, the...

A kinetic energy of the emitted photoelectrons increases.

B kinetic energy of the emitted photoelectrons decreases.
C number of photoelectrons emitted per second increases.
D number of photoelectrons emitted per second decreases. (2)

NGWENYA PT 27
28 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1

1.8 The spectrum of an element from a star shows some absorption lines. These lines are
produced because …

A atoms absorb energy when moving from an excited state to a lower energy state.
B a cold gas absorbs certain frequencies of light passing through it.
C atoms release energy when moving from an excited state to a lower energy state.
D a hot gas absorbs certain frequencies of light passing through it. (2)

1.9 Which ONE of the following statements is true?

A An atomic absorption spectrum is formed when certain frequencies of
electromagnetic radiation that passes through a medium such as a cold gas is
absorbed.
B An atomic absorption spectrum is formed when certain frequencies of
electromagnetic radiation that passes through a medium such as a cold gas is
emitted.
C An atomic emission spectrum is formed when certain frequencies of electromagnetic
radiation are absorbed due to an atom’s electrons making a transition from a high-
energy state to a lower energy state.
D An atomic emission spectrum is formed when certain frequencies of electromagnetic
radiation are emitted due to an atom’s electrons making a transition from a low-
energy state to a higher energy state. (2)

1.10 The wavelength of a monochromatic light source P is twice that of a monochromatic light
source Q. The energy of a photon from source P will be … of a photon from source Q.

A a quarter of the energy

B half the energy
C equal to the energy
D twice the energy (2)
[20]

LONG QUESTIONS
QUESTION 2 (EC/SEPTEMBER 2016)
Different frequencies of light are shone onto the surface of a metal. The graph below shows the
relationship between the kinetic energy of photo-electrons and frequency of the incident light.

2.1 Refer to the graph and write down the threshold frequency of the metal. (1)

NGWENYA PT 28
29 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1

2.2 Give a reason why no photo-electrons are released when light of frequency 45 × 10-19 Hz is
used. (2)
2.3 Calculate the velocity of the ejected electrons when a light with a frequency of 110 × 10-19
Hz is shone onto the metal. (5)
2.4 What effect will an increase in the intensity of radiation have on the velocity of ejected
electrons?
Explain your answer. (2)
2.5 The wavelength of the incident light is kept constant while the intensity is increased.
What effect will this change have on the following:
2. 5.1 the reading on the ammeter. Explain the answer. (2)
2. 5.1 the threshold frequency of the metal plate. (1)
[10]

QUESTION 3 (March 2015)

A learner uses photocells to determine the maximum kinetic energy of ejected photoelectrons. One
photocell has a caesium cathode and the other has a sodium cathode. Each photocell is radiated
by ultraviolet light from the same source as shown below.

The incomplete results obtained are shown in the table below.

3.1 Define the term work function of a metal. (2)

3.2 Use the information in the table to calculate the wavelength of the ultraviolet light used in
the experiment. (4)

NGWENYA PT 29
30 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1

3.3 Calculate the maximum kinetic energy, EK, of an electron ejected from the sodium metal. (4)
3.4 The intensity of the incident ultraviolet light was then increased.
3.4.1 Give a reason why this change does NOT affect the maximum kinetic energy of the
ejected photoelectrons. (1)
3.4.2 How does the increased intensity affect the reading on the ammeter? Write down
only INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME. (1)
3.4.3 Explain the answer to QUESTION 3.4.2. (2)
[14]

QUESTION 4 (March 2017.)

The graph below is obtained for an experiment on the photoelectric effect using different
frequencies of light and a given metal plate.

The threshold frequency for the metal is 6,8 x 1014 Hz.

4.1 Define the term threshold frequency. (2)

In the experiment, the brightness of the light incident on the metal surface is increased.

4.2 State how this change will influence the speed of the photoelectrons emitted.
Choose from INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS UNCHANGED. (1)

4.3 Show by means of a calculation whether the photoelectric effect will be OBSERVED or
NOT OBSERVED, if monochromatic light with a wavelength of 6 x 10-7 m is used in this
experiment. (5)

One of the radiations used in this experiment has a frequency of 7,8 x 1014 Hz.

4.4 Calculate the maximum speed of an ejected photoelectron. (5)

[13]

NGWENYA PT 30