When light of a certain frequency is shone on a particular metal surface, electrons are emitted

1 with a range of kinetic energies.

(a) Explain
• in terms of photons why electrons are released from the metal surface, and
• why the kinetic energy of the emitted electrons varies upto a maximum value.

The quality of your written communication will be assessed in this question.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(6)

(b) The graph below shows how the maximum kinetic energy of the electrons varies with the
frequency of the light shining on the metal surface.

(i) On the graph mark the threshold frequency and label it f0.
(1)

Page 1 of 23
 (ii) On the graph draw a line for a metal which has a higher threshold frequency.
(2)

(iii) State what is represented by the gradient of the graph.

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(c) The threshold frequency of a particular metal surface is 5.6 × 1014 Hz. Calculate the
maximum kinetic energy of emitted electrons if the frequency of the light striking the metal
surface is double the threshold frequency.

answer = ____________________ J
(3)
(Total 13 marks)

(a) A particular photocell is designed to emit electrons when visible light is incident on its
2 cathode. When yellow light of wavelength 570 nm is incident on the cathode the electrons
are emitted with almost zero kinetic energy.

speed of electromagnetic radiation in a vacuum = 3.0 × 108 m s–1

the Planck constant = 6.6 × 10–34 J s
charge on electron = –1.6 × 10–19 C

(i) Show that the threshold frequency of the cathode material is about 5 × 1014 Hz.

(2)

(ii) Calculate the work function of the cathode material.

(2)

Page 2 of 23
 (b) Ultra-violet radiation of photon energy 4.7 × 10–19 J and of the same intensity as the visible
light in part (a) is now incident on the cathode.

(i) Calculate the maximum velocity of the emitted electrons.

mass of electron = 9.1 × 10–31 kg.

(4)

(ii) State and explain the effect on the number of electrons emitted per second resulting
from this change in the photon energy of the incident radiation.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 10 marks)

The diagram represents some of the energy levels of an isolated atom. An electron with a kinetic
energy of 2.0 × 10–18 J makes an inelastic collision with an atom in the ground state.

(a) Calculate the speed of the electron just before the collision.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

Page 3 of 23
 (b) (i) Show that the electron can excite the atom to level 2.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

(ii) Calculate the wavelength of the radiation that will result when an atom in level 2 falls
to level 1 and state the region of the spectrum to which this radiation belongs.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(6)

(c) Calculate the minimum potential difference through which an electron must be accelerated
from rest in order to be able to ionise an atom in its ground state with the above energy
level structure.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 10 marks)

(a) Discovery of the photoelectric effect was largely responsible for the development of the
4 theory that electromagnetic radiation can behave as a particle or as a wave under different
circumstances. The diagram below shows an experimental arrangement used to
demonstrate aspects of the photoelectric effect. When photoelectrons are emitted the
ammeter registers a current.

Page 4 of 23
 (i) The metal plate is illuminated with radiation but does not emit photoelectrons. The
intensity of the radiation is increased. State and explain what effect this increase in
intensity has.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(2)

(ii) The metal plate is illuminated with radiation such that photoelectrons are emitted. The
intensity of the radiation is increased. State and explain what effect this increase in
intensity has.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(2)

(iii) The metal plate is illuminated with radiation such that photoelectrons are emitted. Air
is now allowed to enter the enclosure. State and explain what effect allowing air into
the enclosure has.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(2)

(b) (i) Show that the de Broglie wavelength of an electron travelling at 0.15c should be
approximately 1.6 × 10–11 m.

the Plank constant, h = 6.6 × 10–34 J s

the speed of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum, c = 3.0 × 108 m s–1
the mass of an electron, me = 9.1 × 10–31 kg
(2)

(ii) Suggest a suitable material to give an observable diffraction pattern with electrons.
Explain your choice.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 10 marks)

Page 5 of 23
 The maximum kinetic energy, Ek(max), of photoelectrons varies with the wavelength of
5 electromagnetic radiation incident on a metal surface.
This variation is shown in the graph.

(a) (i) Define the term work function.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(2)

(ii) Show that the work function of the metal is approximately 4 × 10−19 J.

Use data from the graph in your calculation.

(3)

Page 6 of 23
 (b) Monochromatic radiation is incident on the metal surface.
Photoelectrons are ejected with a maximum speed of 4.6 × 105 m s−1.

Determine the wavelength of the incident radiation.

wavelength ____________________ m
(3)
(Total 8 marks)

In an electron diffraction tube, high speed electrons are produced by an electron gun at one end
6 of the tube. The electrons are incident on a thin slice of a polycrystalline material.
The diagram shows the pattern of bright rings that is formed on the fluorescent screen at the
other end of the tube.

(a) Explain how the production of bright rings suggests that the electrons behave like waves.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(b) The electrons in the tube have a velocity of 3.5 × 107 m s–1.

Calculate the de Broglie wavelength of the electrons.

de Broglie wavelength ____________________ m

(2)
(Total 3 marks)

Page 7 of 23
 Sodium metal has a work function of 2.28 eV. An atom of sodium has an ionisation energy of
7 5.15 eV.

(a) (i) State what is meant by work function.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(2)

(ii) State what is meant by ionisation energy.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(2)

(b) Show that the minimum frequency of electromagnetic radiation needed for a photon to
ionise an atom of sodium is about 1.2 × 1015 Hz.
(2)

(c) Electromagnetic radiation with the frequency calculated in part (b) is incident on the surface
of a piece of sodium.

Calculate the maximum possible kinetic energy of an electron that is emitted when a
photon of this radiation is incident on the surface.
Give your answer to an appropriate number of significant figures.

maximum kinetic energy = ____________________ J

(3)

(d) Calculate the speed of an electron that has the same de Broglie wavelength as the
electromagnetic radiation in part (b).

speed = ____________________ m s–1

(3)
(Total 12 marks)

Page 8 of 23
 (i) Calculate the longest wavelength of electromagnetic radiation that will cause photoelectric
8 emission at a clean lithium surface.
work function for lithium φ = 4.6 × 10–19 J

Longest wavelength = ____________________ m

(ii) Calculate maximum kinetic energy of the electrons emitted when electromagnetic radiation
of frequency 8.5 × 1014 Hz is incident on the surface.

Maximum energy = ____________________ J

(Total 6 marks)

The diagram shows some of the electron energy levels of an atom.

9

An incident electron of kinetic energy 4.1 × 10–18 J and speed 3.0 × 106 m s–1 collides with the
atom represented in the diagram and excites an electron in the atom from level B to level D.

(a) For the incident electron, calculate

(i) the kinetic energy in eV,

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Page 9 of 23
 (ii) the de Broglie wavelength.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(4)

(b) When the excited electron returns directly from level D to level B it emits a photon.
Calculate the wavelength of this photon.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)
(Total 7 marks)

Page 10 of 23
 The diagram shows some energy levels of an atom.
10

The transition E3 to E1 corresponds to the emission of visible light.

A transition corresponding to the emission of infrared radiation could be

A E1 to E0

B E4 to E1

C E1 to E2

D E3 to E2
(Total 1 mark)

Which one of the graphs best represents the relationship between the energy W of a photon and
11
the frequency f of the radiation?

(Total 1 mark)

Page 11 of 23
 The diagram shows some of the energy levels for a hydrogen atom.
12
___________________________
0
___________________________
first excited state –5.4 × 10-19 J

___________________________
ground state –21.8 × 10-19 J

A free electron of kinetic energy 20.0 × 10–19 J collides with a hydrogen atom in its ground state.
The hydrogen atom is excited from its ground state to the first excited state. The kinetic energy of
the free electron after the collision is

A 1.8 × 10–19 J

B 3.6 × 10–19 J

C 5.4 × 10–19 J

D 16.4 × 10–19 J

(Total 1 mark)

The diagram drawn to scale shows some of the energy levels of an atom. Transition P results in
13
the emission of a photon of wavelength 4 × 10–7 m.

Which one of the transitions A, B, C, or D could result in the emission of a photon of wavelength
8 × 10–7 m?
(Total 1 mark)

Page 12 of 23
Mark schemes
(a)
1
QWC descriptor mark
range

good- The candidate provides a comprehensive and logical 5-6

excellent explanation which recognises that light consists of photons of
energy hf and that an electron at or near the metal surface
can only gain the energy of a single photon when it interacts
with a photon. In addition, the candidate should recognise the
significance of the work function (of the metal) in this context
in relation to the maximum kinetic energy that an emitted
electron can have. The candidate should also provide some
indication of why the kinetic energy of an emitted electron
may be less than the maximum kinetic energy. Although the
term ‘work function’ might not be defined or used, the
candidate’s explanation should clearly state that each
electron needs a minimum amount of energy to escape from
the metal.

modest- The candidate provides a logical and coherent explanation 3-4

adequate which includes the key ideas including recognition that light
consists of photons of energy hf and that an electron at or
near the metal surface can only gain the energy of a single
photon when it interacts with a photon. In addition, the
candidate should be aware that each electron needs a
minimum amount of energy to escape from the metal. They
should appreciate that the kinetic energy of an emitted
electron is equal to the difference between the energy it gains
from a photon and the energy it needs (or uses) to escape
from the metal. However, the explanation may lack a key
element such as why the kinetic energy of the emitted
electrons varies.

poor- The candidate provides some correct ideas including 1-2

limited recognition that light consists of photons of energy hf and that
electrons in the metal (or at its surface) absorb photons and
thereby gain energy. Their ideas lack coherence and they fail
to recognise or use in their explanation the key idea that one
photon is absorbed by one electron.

Page 13 of 23
 The explanations expected in a good answer should include most of the following
physics ideas

energy is needed to remove an electron from the surface

work function φ (of the metal) is the minimum energy needed by

an electron to escape from the surface

light consists of photons , each of energy E = hf

one photon is absorbed by one electron

an electron can escape (from the surface) if hf > φ

kinetic energy of an emitted electron cannot be greater than hf – φ

an electron below the surface needs to do work/uses energy to reach

the surface

kinetic energy of such an electron will be less than hf – φ

(b) (i)

(ii) parallel line, higher threshold frequency (1)(1)

(iii) Planck’s constant (1)

4

(c) (use of hf0 = )

hf = 6.63 × 10–34 × 2 × 5.6 × 1014 (1)

= 3.7(1) × 10–19 J (1)

Ek = 2 × 3.7 × 10–19 – 3.7 × 10–19 = 3.7 × 10–19 J (1)

3
[13]

Page 14 of 23
 (a) (i) f = c/λ or correct substitution irrespective of powers
2
C1

5.26 × 1014 (Hz) not 5.2 × 1014

A1
2

(ii) Ф = hf or substitution irrespective of powers

C1

3.3 – 3.5 × 10–19 J

A1
2

(b) (i) statement or clear use of photoelectric equation

C1

max ke = 1.2 – 1.4 × 10–19 (J)

C1

½ mv2 or substituted values ecf for max ke

C1

5.1 – 5.6 × 105 ms–1 (cao)

A1
4

(ii) same intensity and shorter wavelength

=>less photons incident per

B1

second
fewer electrons emitted per second

B1

condone argument for unchanged numbers of electrons

(based on 1 to 1 correspondence between photons and
electrons)
2
[10]

Page 15 of 23
3
(a) (1)

= 2.1× 106 m s–1 (1)

2

(b) (i) difference between E2 and E0 = 1.94 × 10–18 J (1)

which is less than the electron kinetic energy (1)

(ii) (E2 – E1) = 3.06 × 10–19 (1) (= )

λ= (1) = 6.5 × 10–7 m (1)

in visible [or red] region (1)

6

(c) for ionisation, p.d. = (1) =13.6 V (1)

2
[10]

(a) (i) no electrons will be released / no current / no effect

4 B1

work function energy not being exceeded / insufficient

photon energy to exceed work function / photon
frequency below threshold frequency
B1

(ii) more electrons released per second / current increases

B1

more photons (of sufficient energy) striking metal surface per second
B1

Page 16 of 23
 (iii)
answers must be in corresponding pairs below

cause – B1 consequence – B1

electrons collide with air less electrons reach anode

molecules (s–1)

less photons reach plate so

photons absorbed by air
fewer electrons emitted (s–1)

(work function ↑) so fewer

air contaminates plate photons sufficiently energetic
to release electrons

cause must be
ammeter reading or current
everything in one
falls
pair of boxes above

(b) (i) λ= or correctly substituted values irrespective of powers of 10

B1

1.61 × 10–11 m N.B. “show that”

B1

(ii) crystal (or named crystalline material) / graphite

B1

atomic spacing (condone atomic diameter or distance

between nuclei) ≈ λ electrons
B1
[10]

(a) (i) Energy required to remove an electron

5 Minimum energy required to remove an electron from a (metal) surface
2

(ii) Read off λ = 550 (nm)

Use of E = hc / λ or E = hf and c = f λ
3.6 × 10-19
or
Reads st of coordinates correctly
Use of hc/λ=Φ + Ek(max)
3.6 × 10-19(J)
3

Page 17 of 23
 (b) Ek = 9.6 × 10-20
J converted to eV / 0.6 eV
4.35 to 4.40 × 10-7 (m), using graph
OR

Ek = 9.6 × 10-20 or Φ = 6.4 × 10-19(J)

hc/λ = 4.96 × 10-19 (using given value in (aii))

or 4.6 × 10-19 using calculated value
or f = 7.5 × 1014(Hz)

4 × 10-7 to 4.4 × 10-7 (m)

Allow ecf for second mark only (i.e. for adding incorrect KE to work
function)
3
[8]

(a) (Constructive) interference / superposition occurs

6 or
Waves arrive in phase so produce maximum intensity
Diffraction alone is not enough

B1
1

(b) Correct substitution of numerical value in h / mv irrespective of powers of 10

C1

2.1 × 10−11 (m)

A1
2
[3]

(a) (i) the minimum energy required by an electron✓

7
to escape from a (metal)surface✓
if refer to atom / ionisation zero marks
2

(ii) the (minimum) energy to remove an electron(from an atom)✓

from the ground state✓
2

(b) (use of hf = eV)

6.63 × 10-34 × f = 5.15 × 1.60 × 10-19✓

f= ✓= 1.24 × 1015(Hz)

if no working and 1.24 × 1015(Hz) 1 mark

2

Page 18 of 23
 (c) (use of hf = Ek + Φ)
Φ = 2.28 × 1.60 × 10-19 = 3.648 × 10-19 (J) ✓
Ek = 5.15 × 1.60 × 10-19 - 3.648 × 10-19= 4.59 × 10-19 J ✓✓
3 sig figs
if clearly used 1.2 × 1015 then final answer must be to 2 sig. figs. for
last mark to be awarded
accept 4.57 in place of 4.59
3

(d) (use ofc = fλ )

λ= = 2.42 × 10-7✓

v = h / mλ = 6.63 × 10-34 / (9.11 × 10-31× 2.42 × 10-7

v = 3010 m s-1✓✓
first mark minimum working ‒ determination of wavelength
bald answer gets 2 marks
range to 3 sig figs 2900 ‒ 3030
3
[12]

(i) recognition that work function = hf0 or hc/λ0 (1)

8
rearrangement or correct substitution of values (1)

4.3 × 10-7 m (1)

(ii) Einstein’s equation seen or used (1)

work function subtracted from energy of incident photon (1)

1.0(1) × 10-19 J (1)

[6]

9
(a) (i) k.e. = (1)

= 26 (eV) (1) (25.6 eV)

(ii) (use of λdB = gives) λdB = (1)

= 2.4 × 10–10 m (1) (2.42 × 10–10 m)

4

Page 19 of 23
 (b) (use of hf = E1 – E2 gives) f = (1)

(= 1.05 × 1015 (Hz))

(use of λ = gives) λ = (1)

= 2.9 × 10–7 m (1) (2.86 × 10–7 m)

3
[7]

D
10
[1]

B
11
[1]

B
12
[1]

B
13
[1]

Page 20 of 23
Examiner reports
Part (a) was not answered well and there was much confusion as to the processes involved in
1 the photoelectric effect. However, a significant number of candidates confused the effect with
excitation and line spectra. Only a minority of candidates were able to explain why the kinetic
energy of the emitted electrons varied. A common response referred to the photons having a
variety of energies even though the question stated that the light had a certain frequency. Most
answers lacked significant detail such as the idea that a photon interacts with one electron and
how threshold frequency and work function are related.

This question assessed quality of written communication and it was clear that most candidates
appreciated that their answers needed a logical structure. However, few candidates were able to
give a coherent and comprehensive answer.

Part (b) generated better answers although a significant minority of candidates did not appreciate
the fact that the gradient of the maximum kinetic energy against frequency graph is the Planck
constant.

Part (c) proved more difficult than expected and a number of candidates calculated the energy of
the photon using the threshold frequency and failed to calculate the work function.

(a) (i) Although the majority of candidates correctly performed a c = f l{calculation, this part
2
surprisingly proved to be a stumbling block for a considerable number of candidates.
A significant number of candidates incurred a penalty for rounding down their
frequency to 5.2 × 1014 Hz (from 5.26 × 1014 Hz).

(ii) Most candidates completing this part did so through the complete photoelectric
equation (equating the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons to zero).

(b) (i) Answers to this part either tended to be completely correct or otherwise not score any
marks. A high proportion of candidates incorrectly attempted to use the de Broglie
relationship, rather than the photoelectric equation.

(ii) This part was not well understood. Many candidates assumed that because the
intensity was unchanged, it meant that there were the same number of incident
photons per second and so there would be the same number of emitted electrons.

These candidates had failed to appreciate that as the intensity remained constant but
the frequency of the photons had increased, there would be fewer photons incident
per second and so there would be fewer (but more energetic) electrons released per
second.

All parts of this question were generally answered well. In part (a) some candidates used an
3 electron mass of 0.00055 u, and some candidates forgot to take the square root.

In part (b) a few candidates calculated the frequency and then did not proceed to evaluate λ. A
more common error was to forget to state the region of the electromagnetic spectrum after
calculating the wavelength value correctly.

Part (c) was done well.

Page 21 of 23
 (a) (i) Answers to this were variable with only better candidates making direct references
4 relating the photon energy to the threshold frequency or work function.

(ii) This part was often very poorly answered – very few candidates made reference to
increased rate of arrival of photons and to the rate of emission of photoelectrons.
Many candidates appeared to believe that greater intensity meant more energetic
photons.

(iii) Again there few totally convincing answers given to this part. Many candidates
recognised that the likely outcome would be that the current would fall but only the
best candidates were able to give satisfactory reasons for this either in terms of
absorption of some photons by the air or the collisions between the photoelectrons
and the air molecules (reducing the rate at which photoelectrons reached the anode).
Many candidates answered in a manner which indicated confusion between the
photons and the photoelectrons.

(b) (i) Most candidates were able to show that the de Broglie wavelength was
approximately equal to the given value. Weaker candidates were confused by the
difference between c and v in the momentum relationship.

(ii) Most candidates were able to suggest a crystalline or polycrystalline material. The
majority of these candidates did not make an overt comparison between the atomic
(ionic) spacing and the de Broglie wavelength of the electron.

(a) (i) Most appreciated that the work function was the energy to remove an electron. Fewer
5 went on to explain that work function was the minimum energy required and that it
refers to electrons at the surface.

(ii) This was generally well done with a high proportion of correct answers. Incorrect read
offs from the graph and incorrect powers of 10 were the main causes of failure to
complete this part successfully.

(b) Fewer students used the approach of calculating the energy in J, converting to eV and then
reading from the graph than the second approach in the marking scheme. Those who used
either approach often lost marks due to mixing up energies in J and eV and/or having
problems handling powers of 10.

(a) Candidates needed to explain the production of the bright ring by constructive interference.
6 The mention of diffraction alone was insufficient.

(b) Most candidates obtained the correct wavelength. Weaker candidates often quoted the
equation and then left the mass component blank, suggesting that they did not know that
the mass of the electron was on the formula and data sheet. Some substituted the value for
the electron charge for the mass.

Page 22 of 23
 This question on quantum phenomena linked the photoelectric effect with ionisation, two topics
7 which often cause confusion to students. The first parts of the question required students to
explain work function and ionization energy. Good explanations were commonly seen but there is
still the tendency for students to link work function to electrons escaping from individual atoms.

The remainder of the questions were quantitative and the majority of the calculations involved
proved to be accessible. The conversion of electron volts to joules was widely understood and a
high proportion of students were able to show that the frequency of radiation required for
ionisation was about 1.2 × 1015 Hz. The calculation of the maximum kinetic energy of the
electrons emitted had a similar high facility. In this calculation however, students were required to
quote their answer to an appropriate number of significant figure. This did present a problem to
some as although three significant figures are warranted from the data, if they used 1.2 × 1015 Hz
rather than their calculated value, only two should be quoted.

The final calculation of the de Broglie wavelength presented much more of a challenge and only
the more able students were able to do this correctly. Weaker students attempted to use the
equation for kinetic energy or to use the frequency of the photon instead of calculating the
wavelength.

Parts (a) and (b) of this question showed errors at different levels of ability. The slightly better
9 candidates used the correct equations but often used the speed of light in the de Broglie
relationship. The very weak candidates did not know when to apply or . In other

cases, the wrong energy was used to calculate the wavelength of a photon and it was not
uncommon to see the electron energies at levels D and B being added together.

Part (a) (i) in particular showed a variety of errors. Multiplying, rather than dividing by the electron
charge was the obvious error. Some of the better candidates used the electron speed to
calculate the kinetic energy, arriving at the energy in joules which had already been given in the
question, and then failing to convert this to eV. About 15% of the candidates incurred a significant
figure error on this question by quoting an answer to five significant figures.

Page 23 of 23