A photocell stops emission if it is maintained at 2V negative potential. Find the energy of the most energetic photoelectron.
A. 2eV
B. 2J
C. 2KJ
D. 2KeV
Answer
300.3k+ views
Hint:Before we proceed with the given problem. Let us understand the stopping potential. Stopping potential is the minimum negative voltage that is applied to the anode to stop the photocurrent. The maximum kinetic energy of the electrons will be equal to the stopping voltage when it is measured in electron volt.
Formula Used:
The formula to find the kinetic energy of an electron is,
\[K.{E_{\max }} = {V_0}\left( {eV} \right)\]
Where, \[{V_0}\] is stopping potential.
Complete step by step solution:
Consider a photocell that stops emitting photoelectrons if it is maintained at 2V negative potential. That is \[{V_0} = - 2V\]. Now we need to find the energy of the most energetic photoelectron. In order to find the energy of the energetic photoelectron, that is nothing but the kinetic energy of the photoelectron which is given as,
\[K.{E_{\max }} = {V_0}\left( {eV} \right)\]
By taking the magnitude of stopping potential we can write the above equation as,
\[K.{E_{\max }} = \left| {{V_0}} \right|\left( {eV} \right)\]
Substitute the value of \[{V_0} = - 2V\] in above equation we get,
\[K.{E_{\max }} = 2\,eV\]
Therefore, the energy of the most energetic photoelectron is 2 eV.
Hence, Option A is the correct answer.
Note: Remember that the kinetic energy carried by the photoelectron cannot be negative. Therefore, while calculating the kinetic energy, that is, \[K.{E_{\max }} = {V_0}\left( {eV} \right)\]. The stopping potential given in eV is negative, so we have to take only the magnitude of the stopping potential and then we calculate the kinetic energy of an electron as discussed in this problem.
Formula Used:
The formula to find the kinetic energy of an electron is,
\[K.{E_{\max }} = {V_0}\left( {eV} \right)\]
Where, \[{V_0}\] is stopping potential.
Complete step by step solution:
Consider a photocell that stops emitting photoelectrons if it is maintained at 2V negative potential. That is \[{V_0} = - 2V\]. Now we need to find the energy of the most energetic photoelectron. In order to find the energy of the energetic photoelectron, that is nothing but the kinetic energy of the photoelectron which is given as,
\[K.{E_{\max }} = {V_0}\left( {eV} \right)\]
By taking the magnitude of stopping potential we can write the above equation as,
\[K.{E_{\max }} = \left| {{V_0}} \right|\left( {eV} \right)\]
Substitute the value of \[{V_0} = - 2V\] in above equation we get,
\[K.{E_{\max }} = 2\,eV\]
Therefore, the energy of the most energetic photoelectron is 2 eV.
Hence, Option A is the correct answer.
Note: Remember that the kinetic energy carried by the photoelectron cannot be negative. Therefore, while calculating the kinetic energy, that is, \[K.{E_{\max }} = {V_0}\left( {eV} \right)\]. The stopping potential given in eV is negative, so we have to take only the magnitude of the stopping potential and then we calculate the kinetic energy of an electron as discussed in this problem.
Recently Updated Pages
If the magnetizing field on a ferromagnetic material class 12 physics JEE_Main

A point charge is placed at the corner of a cube The class 12 physics JEE_Main

What changes occur if the monochromatic light used class 12 physics JEE_Main

The unit of specific conductance is A Ohm B Ohmmetre class 12 physics JEE_Main

Which lens is used in magnifying glass A Concave lens class 12 physics JEE_Main

Sir C V Raman won the Nobel Prize in which year A 1928 class 12 physics JEE_Main

Trending doubts
JEE Main 2026: Exam Dates, Session 2 Updates, City Slip, Admit Card & Latest News

Understanding the Electric Field of a Uniformly Charged Ring

Electron Gain Enthalpy and Electron Affinity Explained

Derivation of Equation of Trajectory Explained for Students

Understanding Atomic Structure for Beginners

How to Convert a Galvanometer into an Ammeter or Voltmeter

Other Pages
CBSE Class 12 Physics Question Paper 2026: Download SET-wise PDF with Answer Key & Analysis

JEE Advanced Percentile vs Marks 2026: JEE Main Cutoff, AIR & IIT Admission Guide

Understanding Uniform Acceleration in Physics

Effective Nuclear Charge for JEE

Hybridisation in Chemistry – Concept, Types & Applications

Isoelectronic Species: Definition, Examples & Importance

