The work functions of Caesium (Cs), potassium (K) and sodium (Na) are 2.14 eV, 2.30 eV and 2.75 eV respectively. If incident electromagnetic radiation has an incident energy of 2.20 eV, which of these photosensitive surfaces may emit photoelectrons?
- Both Na and K
- K only
- Na only
- Cs only
Answer
(4) Cs only
Solution
Photoelectrons are emitted only if E 0.
2.20 eV > 2.14 eV (Cs) but 2.20 eV < 2.30 eV (K) and < 2.75 eV (Na).
only caesium emits photoelectrons.
Answer: (4)