MCQEasyJEE 2024Photoelectric Effect

JEE Physics 2024 Question with Solution

The work function of a substance is 3.0eV3.0 \, \text{eV}. The longest wavelength of light that can cause the emission of photoelectrons from this substance is approximately:

  • A

    215nm215 \, \text{nm}

  • B

    414nm414 \, \text{nm}

  • C

    400nm400 \, \text{nm}

  • D

    200nm200 \, \text{nm}

Answer

Correct answer:B

Step-by-step solution

Standard Method

Given: Work function of the substance is ϕ=3.0eV\phi = 3.0 \, \text{eV}.

Find: The longest wavelength λmax\lambda_{\max} that can emit photoelectrons.

For photoelectric emission at threshold,

ϕ=hcλmax\phi = \frac{hc}{\lambda_{\max}}

So,

λmax=hcϕ\lambda_{\max} = \frac{hc}{\phi}

Using 1eV=1.602×1019J1 \, \text{eV} = 1.602 \times 10^{-19} \, \text{J}, we get

ϕ=3.0×1.602×1019J=4.806×1019J\phi = 3.0 \times 1.602 \times 10^{-19} \, \text{J} = 4.806 \times 10^{-19} \, \text{J}

Now substitute

λmax=6.626×1034×3.0×1084.806×1019\lambda_{\max} = \frac{6.626 \times 10^{-34} \times 3.0 \times 10^8}{4.806 \times 10^{-19}} λmax4.14×107m=414nm\lambda_{\max} \approx 4.14 \times 10^{-7} \, \text{m} = 414 \, \text{nm}

Therefore, the longest wavelength is 414nm414 \, \text{nm}. The correct option is B.

The solution also shows a contradictory label "The Correct Option is C", but the working and final numerical conclusion clearly give 414nm414 \, \text{nm}, which matches option B.

Using the $$hc$$ value directly

Given: ϕ=3.0eV\phi = 3.0 \, \text{eV}

Find: Threshold wavelength λmax\lambda_{\max}.

Use the direct relation in electron-volt units:

λmax=1240nmeV3.0eV\lambda_{\max} = \frac{1240 \, \text{nm} \cdot \text{eV}}{3.0 \, \text{eV}} λmax=413.33nm414nm\lambda_{\max} = 413.33 \, \text{nm} \approx 414 \, \text{nm}

This shortcut works because hchc is commonly used as 1240nmeV1240 \, \text{nm} \cdot \text{eV}, avoiding conversion to joules.

Therefore, the correct option is B.

Common mistakes

  • Using the photoelectric equation with kinetic energy included at threshold. For the longest wavelength, the emitted electron has zero kinetic energy, so use ϕ=hcλmax\phi = \frac{hc}{\lambda_{\max}} directly.

  • Choosing the option label from the solution without checking the numerical working. Here the heading says option C, but the calculation gives 414nm414 \, \text{nm}, which corresponds to option B.

  • Forgetting unit conversion when using SI values of hh and cc. If energy is kept in electron volts, use hc=1240nmeVhc = 1240 \, \text{nm} \cdot \text{eV}; if using joules, convert eV\text{eV} to J\text{J} first.

Practice more Photoelectric Effect questions

Get unlimited AI-adaptive practice, mastery tracking, and an AI tutor that explains every step — free to start.

Related questions