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Date November 2016 Marks available 3 Reference code 16N.2.HL.TZ0.11
Level Higher level Paper Paper 2 Time zone 0 - no time zone
Command term Explain Question number 11 Adapted from N/A

Question

An apparatus is used to investigate the photoelectric effect. A caesium cathode C is illuminated by a variable light source. A variable power supply is connected between C and the collecting anode A. The photoelectric current I is measured using an ammeter.

A current is observed on the ammeter when violet light illuminates C. With V held constant the current becomes zero when the violet light is replaced by red light of the same intensity. Explain this observation.

[3]
a.

The graph shows the variation of photoelectric current I with potential difference V between C and A when violet light of a particular intensity is used.

The intensity of the light source is increased without changing its wavelength.

(i) Draw, on the axes, a graph to show the variation of I with V for the increased intensity.

(ii) The wavelength of the violet light is 400 nm. Determine, in eV, the work function of caesium.

(iii) V is adjusted to +2.50V. Calculate the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons just before they reach A.

[6]
b.

Markscheme

reference to photon
OR
energy = hf or = h c λ

violet photons have greater energy than red photons

when hf > Φ or photon energy> work function then electrons are ejected

frequency of red light < threshold frequency «so no emission»
OR
energy of red light/photon < work function «so no emission»

a.

i
line with same negative intercept «–1.15V»

otherwise above existing line everywhere and of similar shape with clear plateau

Award this marking point even if intercept is wrong.

 

ii
h c λ e =  « 6.63 × 10 34 × 3 × 10 8 40 × 10 9 × 1.6 × 10 19 = » 3.11 «eV»

Intermediate answer is 4.97×10−19 J.

Accept approach using f rather than c/λ

«3.10 − 1.15 =» 1.96 «eV»
Award [2] for a bald correct answer in eV.
Award [1 max] if correct answer is given in
J (3.12×10−19 J).

 

iii

«KE = qVs =» 1.15 «eV»

OR

1.84 x 10−19 «J»

Allow ECF from MP1 to MP2.

adds 2.50 eV = 3.65 eV

OR

5.84 x 10−19 J

Must see units in this question to identify energy unit used.
Award [2] for a bald correct answer that includes units.
Award [1 max] for correct answer without units.

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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Additional higher level (AHL) » Topic 12: Quantum and nuclear physics
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