• λ = h/p

λ = wavelength associated with particle or

de-Broglie wavelength
Light has both wave character as well p = momentum
as particle nature Interference and dif- h h
fraction can be explained by wave na- λ = mω =
√2mKmax
ture When light is of sufficiently small • All matter can exhibit wave-like
wavelength, it behaves as particle. behaviour e.g., beam of electrons
Light particles having definite ener- can be diffracted like a water
gy and definite linear momentum are
wave
called "photons".

FOR BOARD EXAM Energy of each photon = hν = hc/λ

Momentum of each photon = h/λ = E/c
• When light of sufficient small wavelength is in-
cident on metal surface, electrons are ejected
from the metal, the phenomenon is called pho-
toelectric effect.
• Ejected electrons are called photoelectrons

Dual nature Matter Waves • Minimum energy equal to work function (φ) must
of radiation be given to an electron so as to bring it out of the
DUAL NATURE OF MATTER

metal
• If λ = λ0 = hc/φ
Kmax = 0 , i.e.,
• Electron may just come out onto the surface
without kinetic energy. Photoelectric effect
AND RADIATION

• If λ>λ0
i.e., E < φ
no electron will come out Effect of intensity of incident light on photo current

• If λ<λ0
Electrons come out with definite KE.
current

Effe ct of frequency of inci dent ra diation on

• λ0 = depends on metal used stopping potential
Herts and Intensity of light

Einstein’s Lenard’s observation

F RADIATI
Photoelectric
photoelectric
Photoelectric current increases with increase in intensity of light
current

equation
O ON
V3>V2>V1

E
V3 V2 V1

R
Variation of photocurrent with anode potential
-V03 -V02 -V01 0 Collector plate potential

• Kmax = E - φ = eV0
Retarding potential

Photo electric current

TU

&
hc The stopping potential increases with increase in frequency of

MA
= -φ, V0 = stopping potential
DUAL NA

incident light
λ
φ = work function

PHYSICS

TTER
Kmax = maximum kinetic energy of ejected Collector plate potential
Variation of stopping potential with frequency of
electrons incident radiation

CLASS XII
Effect of intensity of incident radiation on stopping potential.
• Here, λ0 = hc/φ Stopping
potential Metal A
(v0)
λ0 = Threshold Wavelength

Photocurrent
V>V0 Metal B
V>V0
I3>I2>I1 V0 V0'

λ0 = c/v0 = hc/φ
I3
I2 0 Frequency of incident radiation (v)
I1

v0 = Threshold frequency
Stopping potential
The stopping potential increases with frequency of incident radiation.
Retarding potential Collector plate

Kmax = λ(v-v0) potential