Problem: Sodium metal requires a photon with a minimum energy of 4.41 x 10 -19 J to emit electrons. (c) If sodium is irradiated with light of 439 nm, what is the maximum possible kinetic energy of the emitted electrons?

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FREE Expert Solution

We’re being asked to calculate for the maximum possible kinetic energy of the emitted electron from a sodium metal. When photons with enough energy hit the surface of a metal, electrons are emitted. This phenomenon is known as the Photoelectric Effect.

Total energy (ΔE) in photoelectric effect can be calculated using the following equation:

Where:

Δis the total energy or the energy of the light/photon/radiation and can be calculated using the equation:

$\overline{){\mathbf{∆}}{\mathbf{E}}{\mathbf{=}}{\mathbf{h\nu }}}$

Etotal energy = J
h = Planck’s constant = 6.626x10-34 J
s
ν = frequency = Hz or s-1

Ework function is the work function or threshold frequency of the metal (minimum energy required to remove an electron from the metal)

Problem Details

Sodium metal requires a photon with a minimum energy of 4.41 x 10 -19 J to emit electrons. (c) If sodium is irradiated with light of 439 nm, what is the maximum possible kinetic energy of the emitted electrons?