Dual Nature of Matter

JEE Main level, single correct, medium

95 of 200

Question 95 of 200

For a certain metal, when monochromatic light of wavelength λ\lambda is incident, the stopping potential for photoelectrons is 3V03V_0. When the same metal is illuminated by light of wavelength 2λ2\lambda, then the stopping potential becomes V0V_0. The threshold wavelength for photoelectric emission for the given metal is αλ\alpha\lambda. The value of α\alpha is _______.

Show answer and solution

Answer: (B) 44

Using Einstein's photoelectric equation:

eVs=hcλ−ΦeV_s = \dfrac{hc}{\lambda} - \Phi

For the first case:


3eV0=hcλ−Φ3eV_0 = \dfrac{hc}{\lambda} - \Phi

For the second case:


eV0=hc2λ−ΦeV_0 = \dfrac{hc}{2\lambda} - \Phi

Multiplying the second equation by
33 and equating with the first equation:

hcλ−Φ=3hc2λ−3Φ\dfrac{hc}{\lambda} - \Phi = \dfrac{3hc}{2\lambda} - 3\Phi

2Φ=3hc2λ−hcλ2\Phi = \dfrac{3hc}{2\lambda} - \dfrac{hc}{\lambda}

2Φ=hc2λ2\Phi = \dfrac{hc}{2\lambda}

Φ=hc4λ\Phi = \dfrac{hc}{4\lambda}

Since the work function
Φ=hcλ0\Phi = \dfrac{hc}{\lambda_0}, where λ0\lambda_0 is the threshold wavelength:

hcλ0=hc4λ\dfrac{hc}{\lambda_0} = \dfrac{hc}{4\lambda}

λ0=4λ\lambda_0 = 4\lambda

Given
λ0=αλ\lambda_0 = \alpha\lambda, we get α=4\alpha = 4.

Answer:
44

JEE Main question paper PDF

Open a shift to read the full paper on this page, or download it.

JEE Main 2025 Apr 2 Shift 1 question paper

Open Download PDF

Opening paper…

Explain it as a whiteboard videoStep-by-step, in Hinglish or English. Your first video needs no login.Solved it on paper but got it wrong?Upload a photo of your working. Mistake Doctor marks the exact line that broke.
See it move: Photoelectric effect and matter waves simulationDrag the sliders and watch the numbers in this question change.Revise Modern Physics firstFormula sheet, solved examples and the traps students fall into.

More Physics practice

JEE Main Physics practice question on Dual Nature of Matter (Photoelectric Effect), with the answer and a step-by-step solution. Scan a question from your own book or paper to get a whiteboard video.