Determine the work function of an electron in a metal if the red border of the photoelectric effect is 800 THz.
vcr = 800 THz = 800 * 10 ^ 12 m.
h = 6.6 * 10 ^ -34 J * s.
Av -?
When the energy of the incident photons of light Eph is sufficient to overcome the binding energy of the free electrons of the metal, then the electrons begin to leave the surface of the metal and the phenomenon of the photoelectric effect is observed.
Eph = Av is the condition for the phenomenon of the photoelectric effect.
The frequency vcr or the wavelength λcr of photons at which the photoeffect is observed is called the red border of the photoeffect.
The energy of photons of light Eph is expressed by the formula: Eph = h * vcr, where h is Planck’s constant
Av = 6.6 * 10 ^ -34 J * s * 800 * 10 ^ 12 Hz = 5.28 * 10 ^ -19 J.
Answer: for a given metal, the work function of electrons from its surface is Av = 5.28 * 10 ^ -19 J.