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Question #43758
The Question
In a photoelectric experiment, an emitter plate at is illuminated by light of frequency . The work function of the emitter is (where ). A collector plate is located at . Consider an electron emitted at with the maximum possible kinetic energy, traveling directly along the -axis towards the collector. The potential difference is initially zero. At a time (where is the mass of the electron), the potential difference is instantaneously switched to a constant positive value , and remains thereafter. Assuming the electric field between the plates is always spatially uniform, what is the kinetic energy of this electron at the instant it reaches the collector?
Options
- A.
- B.
- C.
- D.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Intuition_Breaker
Train your brain to resist "obvious" answers that are designed to deceive your intuition.
Concepts Behind This Question
Instantaneous Nature|Potential Energy Reference|Integration
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Students typically view photoelectric emission as a steady-state process, applying the standard equation by simply using the potential difference at the time of arrival.
This assumes the electric field is conservative over the entire trajectory.
However, when the potential field is time-varying, the electric field is non-conservative, and the total energy of the electron is not constant.
The trap lies in failing to recognize that the work done on the electron must be calculated by integrating the instantaneous force over the actual path ().
By switching the potential while the electron is in transit, the problem forces students to track the exact position of the electron at the moment the field changes, effectively combining quantum physics with time-dependent kinematics.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Physics |
| Chapter | Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter - Class 12 |
| Concept | Instantaneous Nature |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 7 |
| Target Solve Time | 160 sec |
| Access | Free |