What would happen to n and Emax when  a) the intensity is reduced to 1/2 I but the wavelength λ is unchanged? b) the wavelength λ is reduced but the intensity is unchanged?

FULL QUESTION: Electromagnetic radiation of wavelength λ and intensity I, incident on a metal surface, causes n electrons to be emitted per unit time. The maximum kinetic energy of the electrons is Emax. What would happen to n and Emax when 
a) the intensity is reduced to 1/2 I but the wavelength λ is unchanged?
b) the wavelength λ is reduced but the intensity is unchanged?

ANSWER: Intensity is directly proportional to the rate of photoelectric current (photons per unit time) which is directly proportional to the rate of electron emission from the metal surface. So I is proportional to n. A decrease in I by 1/2 would therefore mean a decrease in n by 1/2. Therefore n decreases. However the Emax of the electrons remains the same as the wavelength is unchanged.

A reduced wavelength would mean that the photons emitted have higher energy (E = hc/ λ and h and c are constant therefore a smaller  λ would mean a larger energy) therefore Emax will increase. However the intensity is constant. Intensity is energy per unit time per unit area therefore for it to remain constant either area or time must change with the increased energy from reduced wavelength. The area on which the EM radiation is incident remains the same (same metal surface) therefore the time must change. This means fewer photons will be emitted per unit time so fewer electrons will be emitted per unit time causing a decrease in n.

KE
Answered by Kim E. Physics tutor

7755 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why do all objects fall at the same rate in a vacuum, independent of mass?


Define Simple Harmonic Motion


Explain what is meant by the mass defect of an atomic nucleui


A ball is thrown in the air with velocity of 50.0 m/s, assuming no air resistance calculate its maximum height.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning