1.

This question is about the photoelectric effect.

In an experiment to investigate the photoelectric effect, light of frequency f is incident on the
metal surface A, shown in the diagram below. A potential difference is applied between A and B.
The photoelectric current is measured by a sensitive ammeter. (Note: the complete electrical
circuit is not shown.)

When the frequency of the light is reduced to a certain value, the current measured by the
ammeter becomes zero. Explain how Einsteins photoelectric theory accounts for this
observation.
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
(Total 4 marks)

IB Questionbank Physics

2.

This question is about atomic spectra.

Diagram 1 shows some of the energy levels of the hydrogen atom. Diagram 2 is a representation
of part of the emission spectrum of atomic hydrogen. The lines shown represent transitions
involving the 3.40 eV level.

(a)

Deduce that the energy of a photon of wavelength 658 nm is 1.89 eV.

......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)

(b)

(i)

On diagram 1, draw an arrow to show the electron transition between energy

levels that gives rise to the emission of a photon of wavelength 658 nm. Label this
arrow with the letter A.
(1)

(ii)

On diagram 1, draw arrows to show the electron transitions between energy levels

IB Questionbank Physics

that give rise to the emission of photons of wavelengths 488 nm, 435 nm and 411
nm.
Label these arrows with the letters B, C and D.
(1)

(c)

Explain why the lines in the emission spectrum of atomic hydrogen, shown in diagram 2,
become closer together as the wavelength of the emitted photons decreases.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 8 marks)

3.

This question is about radioactive decay.

Iodine-124 (I-124) is an unstable radioisotope with proton number 53. It undergoes beta plus
decay to form an isotope of tellurium (Te).
(a)

State the reaction for the decay of the I-124 nuclide.

......................................................................................................................................
(2)

IB Questionbank Physics

(b)

The graph below shows how the activity of a sample of iodine-124 changes with time.

(i)

State the half-life of iodine-124

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

Calculate the activity of the sample at 21 days.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

IB Questionbank Physics

(iii)

A sample of an unknown radioisotope has a half-life twice that of iodine-124 and

the same initial activity as the sample of iodine-124. On the axes opposite, draw a
graph to show how the activity of the sample would change with time.
Label this graph X.
(1)

(iv)

A second sample of iodine-124 has half the initial activity as the original sample of
iodine-124. On the axes opposite, draw a graph to show how the activity of this
sample would change with time. Label this graph Y.
(1)
(Total 8 marks)

4.

This question is about the photoelectric effect.

(a)

State what is meant by the photoelectric effect.

......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

14

Light of frequency 8.7 10 Hz is incident on the surface of a metal in a photocell.

6 2
The surface area of the metal is 9.0 10 m and the intensity of the light is
3
2
1.1 10 W m .
(i)

Deduce that the maximum possible photoelectric current in the photocell is 2.7 nA.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

IB Questionbank Physics

(ii)

The maximum kinetic energy of photoelectrons released from the metal surface is
1.2 eV. Calculate the value of the work function of the metal.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 5 marks)

5.

This question is about the de Broglie hypothesis.

(a)

State the de Broglie hypothesis.

......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

Determine the de Broglie wavelength of a proton that has been accelerated from rest
through a potential difference of 1.2 kV.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

IB Questionbank Physics

(c)

Explain why a precise knowledge of the de Broglie wavelength of the proton implies that
its position cannot be observed.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 6 marks)

6.

This question is about radioactive decay.

13
Nitrogen-13 ( 7 N ) is an isotope that is used in medical diagnosis. The decay constant of
3 1
nitrogen-13 is 1.2 10 s .

(a)

(i)

Define decay constant.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

A sample of nitrogen-13 has an initial activity of 800 Bq. The sample cannot be
used for diagnostic purposes if its activity becomes less than 150 Bq. Determine
the time it takes for the activity of the sample to fall to 150 Bq.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

IB Questionbank Physics

(b)

(i)

Calculate the half-life of nitrogen-13

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

Outline how the half-life of a sample of nitrogen-13 can be measured in a

laboratory.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

(c)

Nitrogen-13 undergoes decay. Outline the experimental evidence that suggests another
particle, the neutrino, is also emitted in the decay.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 9 marks)

7.

This question is about the wave nature of matter.

IB Questionbank Physics

(a)

Describe the de Broglie hypothesis.

......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

Outline an experiment to verify the de Broglie hypothesis.

......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)

IB Questionbank Physics

(c)

Show that the de Broglie wavelength of electrons accelerated from rest through a
10
potential difference of 150 V is 1.0 10 m.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 8 marks)

8.

This question is about alpha () particle scattering.

An experiment is carried out in which alpha () particles of initial kinetic energy 5.0 MeV are
fired at a piece of gold foil. The proton number of gold is 79.
Determine the distance of closest approach of an alpha () particle to a gold nucleus.
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
(Total 4 marks)

IB Questionbank Physics

10

9.

This question is about (positron) decay.

(a)

In a decay, a positron is emitted along with a neutrino, and a -ray photon.

Although the energy spectrum for -rays involved is discrete, the energy spectrum for the
positrons is continuous.
(i)

State the difference between a discrete energy spectrum and a continuous energy
spectrum.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

Explain how the existence of the neutrino accounts for the continuous nature of the
positron energy spectrum.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

Sodium-22 is a radioisotope used in nuclear medicine that undergoes decay.

The half-life of sodium-22 is 2.6 years.
9
A sample of sodium-22 has an initial activity of 6.2 10 Bq.
(i)

Define decay constant.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

Calculate the decay constant of sodium-22.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(iii)

Calculate the activity of the sample of sodium-22 after 8.0 years.

IB Questionbank Physics

11

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 8 marks)

10.

This question is about fundamental interactions.

(a)

State an exchange particle for

(i)

the weak interaction.

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

the electromagnetic interaction.

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

Comment, with reference to the mass of the exchange particles, on the range of the weak
and electromagnetic interactions.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

IB Questionbank Physics

12

(c)

Describe the process represented by the Feynman diagram below.

......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(1)

(d)

State what is meant by a virtual particle.

......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(1)

(e)

Explain how the Heisenberg uncertainty principle for energy and time applies to the
interaction in (c).
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

IB Questionbank Physics

13

(f)

The uncertainty in the time for the electromagnetic interaction between two electrons is
16
1.6 10 s. Determine the uncertainty in the energy of the virtual photon.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 10 marks)

11.

This question is about the photoelectric effect.

(a)

In the photoelectric effect, electrons are emitted from a metal surface almost immediately
after light is incident on the surface, i.e. without any time delay. Explain this observation
with reference to Einsteins theory of the photoelectric effect.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

IB Questionbank Physics

14

(b)

The graph shows the variation with incident light frequency f of the maximum kinetic
energy EK of the emitted electrons.

Use the graph to

(i)

estimate the work function of the metal surface.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

calculate the maximum speed of the emitted electrons for incident light of
15
frequency 5.0 10 Hz.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 6 marks)

IB Questionbank Physics

15

12.

This question is about quantum aspects of the electron.

(a)

The energy of electrons in atoms is said to be quantized. State what is meant by quantized
energy.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

An electron that is confined to move in a region of length L can only have energies given
by the equation

h2n2
2
En = 8mL
where n is a positive integer.

For L = 1.0 10
(i)

10

m, use the equation above to

calculate that the smallest difference between the allowed energies of the electron
18
is 5.8 10 J.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

determine the wavelength of the photon whose energy is 5.8 10

18

J.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

IB Questionbank Physics

16

(c)

Part of the emission spectrum of hydrogen is shown in the diagram.

Suggest whether this spectrum can be explained by the model in (b).

......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 8 marks)

13.

This question is about radioactive decay.

(a)

The decay constant for a particular isotope is = 0.048 s . A sample of the isotope
12
initially contains 2.0 10 nuclei of this isotope.
(i)

Define decay constant.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

Estimate the number of nuclei that will decay in the first second.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

IB Questionbank Physics

17

(b)

The graph shows the variation with time t of the activity A of a sample containing
radioactive material that consists of two different isotopes. Each isotope decays into a
stable daughter isotope.

(i)

Use the graph to explain how it may be deduced that the sample contains more than
one isotope.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

IB Questionbank Physics

18

(ii)

One of the isotopes in the sample has a half-life that is shorter than 0.20 s. Use the
graph to estimate the half-life of the other isotope. Explain your working.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 6 marks)

14.

This question is about waveparticle duality.

(a)

In the photoelectric effect, electrons are not emitted from the surface of a metal if the
frequency of the incident light is below a certain value called the threshold frequency.
(i)

Explain, with reference to the Einstein model of the photoelectric effect, the
existence of the threshold frequency.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(4)

(ii)

State, with reference to your answer in (a)(i), the reason why the threshold
frequency is different for different metals.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

15

Light of frequency 1.0 10 Hz is incident on the surface of a metal. The work function

IB Questionbank Physics

19

of the metal is 3.2 10

(i)

19

J.

Show that the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons is 3.4 10

19

J.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

Determine the de Broglie wavelength of the electrons in (b)(i).

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 10 marks)

IB Questionbank Physics

20

15.

This question is about the spectrum of atomic hydrogen.

(a)

The diagram represents the principal lines in the visible spectrum of atomic hydrogen.

Outline how the spectrum can be produced and observed in the laboratory.

......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)

IB Questionbank Physics

21

(b)

Calculate the difference in energy in eV between the energy levels in the hydrogen atom
that give rise to the red line in the spectrum.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 5 marks)

16.

This question is about radioactive decay.

(a)

A nucleus of a radioactive isotope of gold (Au-189) emits a neutrino in the decay to a

nucleus of an isotope of platinum (Pt).
In the nuclear reaction equation below, state the name of the particle X and identify the
nucleon number A and proton number Z of the nucleus of the isotope of platinum.
189
A
79 Au Z Pt

X v

X: ................................................................................................................................
A: ................................................................................................................................
Z: ................................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

The half-life of Au-189 is 8.84 minutes. A freshly prepared sample of the isotope has an
activity of 124 Bq.
(i)

Calculate the decay constant of Au-189.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

IB Questionbank Physics

22

(ii)

Determine the activity of the sample after 12.0 min.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 5 marks)

17.

This question is about the photoelectric effect.

(a)

In the photoelectric effect, electrons are emitted from a metallic surface only if the
wavelength of the light incident on the surface is below a certain value called the
threshold wavelength.
Explain this observation.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)

(b)

A monochromatic source of power 3.0 W emits light of wavelength 4.60 10 m. All of

the light is incident on a metal surface and causes electrons to be emitted at a rate of
10 1
7
4.0 10 s . The threshold wavelength of the metal is 5.50 10 m.
Calculate the
(i)

photoelectric current.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

IB Questionbank Physics

23

(ii)

work function of the metal.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(iii)

the ratio of the rate of electron emission to the rate at which the photons are
incident on the metal.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

(c)

Light from a different source is incident on the metal in (b). The new source has power
7
6.0 W and emits light of wavelength 9.00 10 m.
State the effect of these changes, if any, on your answer to (b)(i).
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 10 marks)

IB Questionbank Physics

24

18.

This question is about quantum aspects of the electron.

The graph shows the variation with distance x of the wavefunction of an electron at a
10
particular instant of time. The electron is confined within a region of length 2.0 10 m.

(a)

State what is meant by the wavefunction of an electron.

......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

Using data from the graph estimate, for this electron,

(i)

its momentum.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

IB Questionbank Physics

25

(ii)

the uncertainty in its momentum.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 5 marks)

19.

This question is about nuclear energy levels and radioactive decay.

12
The diagram shows some of the nuclear energy levels of the boron isotope 5 B and the carbon
12
isotope 6 C . Differences in energy between the levels are indicated on the diagram. A particular

beta decay of boron and a gamma decay of carbon are marked on the diagram.

(a)

Calculate the wavelength of the photon emitted in the gamma decay.

......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

IB Questionbank Physics

26

(b)

Calculate the maximum kinetic energy of the electron emitted in the beta decay indicated.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(1)

(c)

Explain why the electrons emitted in the indicated beta decay of boron do not always
have the kinetic energy calculated in (b).
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 5 marks)

20.

This question is about the photoelectric effect.

(a)

A clean metal surface in a vacuum is illuminated with monochromatic light, resulting in

the emission of electrons from the surface.

IB Questionbank Physics

27

(i)

On the axes, sketch a graph to show how the maximum kinetic energy K of the
electron varies with the intensity I of the light.

(1)

(ii)

Explain the shape of the graph you have drawn.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

(b)

The wavelength of the incident light in (a) is 400 nm. The maximum kinetic energy of the
emitted electrons is 2.1 eV. Determine the work function of the metal.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 7 marks)

IB Questionbank Physics

28

21.

This question is about the wave nature of matter and quantum energy states.
(a)

Describe what is meant by the de Broglie hypothesis.

......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

An electron is confined to one dimension in a box of length L. The de Broglie waves

associated with the particle form standing waves in the box with wavelengths given by
2L
n where n is = 1, 2, 3, etc.

n2h2
2
Show that the energy levels En for the particle are given by En = (8mL ) where h is
Plancks constant.

......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)

(c)

The electron makes a transition from the energy state given by n = 4 to n = 2. The length
9
L = 1.3 10 m. Calculate the
(i)

energy of the photon emitted.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

wavelength of the photon emitted.

IB Questionbank Physics

29

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 9 marks)

22.

This question is about nuclear physics and radioactive decay.

(a)

Define the decay constant of a radioactive nuclide.

......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

(i)

Plutonium-239 (Pu-239) has a half-life of 2.4 10 years. Show that the decay
5
1
constant of Pu-239 is approximately 3 10 year .
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

Calculate the time taken for the activity of a freshly-prepared sample of Pu-239 to
fall to 0.1 % of its initial value.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 4 marks)

IB Questionbank Physics

30

23.

This question is about quantum physics and electrons.

(a)

15

Photons of frequency 2.1 10 Hz strike the surface of uranium and electrons are emitted
from the surface. The work function of uranium is 3.6 eV.
(i)

Show that the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons is about 5.0 eV.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

Explain what change to this energy would occur if the light intensity was doubled.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

The de Broglie wavelength of an electron with energy 5.0 keV is .

(i)

Determine .
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(4)

IB Questionbank Physics

31

(ii)

A student makes the statement The electron wavelength is not real, it is just a
mathematical construction. Electrons are particles and never waves. Outline
evidence which suggests that the students statement is not correct.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(c)

Outline how the

(i)

electron in a box model accounts for the existence of discrete energy levels in the
hydrogen atom.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

(ii)

line spectra of atomic hydrogen provide evidence for electron energy levels in the
atom.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 14 marks)

IB Questionbank Physics

32

24.

This question is about radioactive decay.

A nucleus of the isotope iodine-124 (I-124) (proton number 53) may undergo positive beta
decay to a nucleus of an isotope X.
(a)

State the nuclear reaction equation for this decay.

......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)

(b)

The half-life of iodine-124 is 4.2 days. A freshly prepared sample of the isotope has an
activity of 810 Bq. Determine the activity of the sample after 6.0 days.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 6 marks)

25.

This question is about wave-particle duality.

(a)

Describe the de Broglie hypothesis.

...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)

IB Questionbank Physics

33

(b)

An electron is accelerated from rest through a potential difference of 1250 V. Determine

the associated de Broglie wavelength of the accelerated electron.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 6 marks)

26.

This question is about line spectra.

(a)

Light is emitted from a gas discharge tube. Outline briefly how the visible line spectrum
of this light may be obtained.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

The table below gives information relating to three of the wavelengths in the line
spectrum of atomic hydrogen.
9

Wavelength / 10 m

Photon energy / 10

1880

1.06

656

3.03

486

4.09

Deduce that the photon energy for the wavelength of 486 10

19

m is 4.09 10

19

J.

...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)

(c)

The diagram below shows two of the energy levels of the hydrogen atom, using data from

IB Questionbank Physics

34

the table above. An electron transition between these levels is also shown.

(i)

On the diagram above, construct the other energy level needed to produce the
energy changes shown in the table above.
(1)

(ii)

Draw labelled arrows to represent the energy changes for the two other
wavelengths shown in the table above.
(1)
(Total 6 marks)

27.

This question is about the photoelectric effect.

In an experiment to investigate the photoelectric effect, light of frequency f is incident on the
metal surface A shown in the diagram below. A potential difference is applied between A and
electrode B. The photoelectric current is measured by the microammeter. (Note: the complete
electrical circuit is not shown.)

(a)

Indicate on the diagram the polarity of A and of B.

(1)

IB Questionbank Physics

35

(b)

The frequency f of the light is reduced and it is found that there is a frequency f0, the
threshold frequency, below which the microammeter does not indicate a current. Explain
how Einsteins photoelectric theory accounts for this observation.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(4)

IB Questionbank Physics

36

(c)

The potential difference between A and B is now reversed. For a particular frequency of
the light, the potential difference is changed until there is zero current in the circuit. The
graph below shows the variation of frequency f of the light with the potential difference,
Vs, for zero current.

Explaining your working, use the graph to determine the

(i)

threshold frequency.
.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

work function, in eV, of the metal.

.........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 8 marks)

IB Questionbank Physics

37