Ultraviolet light of wavelength 270 nm strikes a metal whose work function is 2.3 eV. What is the shortest de Broglie wavelength for the electrons that are produced as photoelectrons?

The shortest de Broglie wavelength for the electrons that are produced as photoelectrons is 0.81 nm

Explanation:

Given;

wavelength of ultraviolet light, λ = 270 nm

work function of the metal, φ = 2.3 eV = 2.3 x 1.602 x 10⁻¹⁹ J = 3.685 x 10⁻¹⁹ J

The energy of the ultraviolet light is given by;

The energy of the incident light is related to kinetic energy of the electron and work function of the metal by the following equation;

E = φ  + K.E

K.E = E - φ

K.E = (7.362 x 10⁻¹⁹ J) - (3.685 x 10⁻¹⁹ J )

K.E = 3.677 x 10⁻¹⁹ J

K.E = ¹/₂mv²

mv² = 2K.E

velocity of the electron is given by;

the shortest de Broglie wavelength for the electrons is given by;

Therefore, the shortest de Broglie wavelength for the electrons that are produced as photoelectrons is 0.81 nm