Academic Integrity: tutoring, explanations, and feedback — we don’t complete graded work or submit on a student’s behalf.

During the photoelectric effect, that forms the basis of photovoltaic solar cell

ID: 2014695 • Letter: D

Question

During the photoelectric effect, that forms the basis of photovoltaic solar cells, a beam of monochromatic light consisting of an unknown number of photons knock electrons out of a metal producing an electrical current. For this effect, which statement is always true?

A. The kinetic energy of each electron depends on the intensity of the light beam. B.The kinetic energy of each electron depends on the number of photons in the light beam.
C.The kinetic energy of each electron depends on the wavelength of the photons in the light beam.
D.All are correct.

Explanation / Answer

Photoelectric emission occurs only if the frequency of the incident radiation is above some minimum value, called threshold frequency. Above threshold frequency, the kinetic energy of emitted photoelectrons increases with the increase of frequency of the incident radiation vice-versa. The intensity of radiation has no effect on the kinetic energies of emitted photoelectrons. So the kinetic energy of each electron depends on the wavelength of the photons in the light beam. So correct option is (C)