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Date May 2012 Marks available 2 Reference code 12M.3.SL.TZ1.5
Level Standard level Paper Paper 3 Time zone Time zone 1
Command term Explain Question number 5 Adapted from N/A

Question

This question is about the photoelectric effect.

The diagram shows apparatus used to investigate the photoelectric effect.

When red light is incident on the metallic surface M the microammeter registers a current. Explain how a current is established in this circuit even though nothing joins M to C inside the tube.

[2]
a.

The graph shows the variation with voltage V of the current I in the circuit.

The work function of the metallic surface M is 0.48 eV.

(i) Define work function.

(ii) State the maximum kinetic energy of an electron immediately after it has been emitted from M.

(iii) Calculate the energy of a photon incident on M.

(iv) The red light incident on M is now replaced by blue light. The number of photons incident on M per second is the same as in (b).

On the axes opposite, sketch a graph to show the variation with V of the current I.

[5]
b.

Markscheme

the light causes emission of (photo)electrons;
which move (from M) to C;

a.

(i) the (minimum) energy required to eject an electron from the metal;

(ii) 1.42 eV;
Allow answer in Joules.

(iii) (1.42+0.48 )=1.90 eV;
Allow answer in Joules.

(iv) line starting to the left of where red curve starts;
and saturates at the same value as red;

b.

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.
[N/A]
b.

Syllabus sections

Additional higher level (AHL) » Topic 12: Quantum and nuclear physics » 12.1 – The interaction of matter with radiation
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