Home / IBDP Physics- E.2 Quantum physics- IB Style Questions For HL Paper 1A

IBDP Physics- E.2 Quantum physics- IB Style Questions For HL Paper 1A -FA 2025

Question

A photoelectron is emitted when a photon of energy \( E \) strikes a metal surface with work function \( \Phi \). What is the maximum speed of the photoelectron?
(A) \( \sqrt{\frac{2(E – \Phi)}{m_e}} \)
(B) \( \sqrt{\frac{E – \Phi}{m_e}} \)
(C) \( \sqrt{\frac{E – \Phi}{m_e h}} \)
(D) \( \sqrt{\frac{2(E – \Phi)}{m_e h}} \)
▶️ Answer/Explanation
Detailed solution

Photoelectric equation: \( E = \Phi + KE_{\text{max}} \)
\( KE_{\text{max}} = E – \Phi = \frac{1}{2}m_ev^2 \)
\( v = \sqrt{\frac{2(E – \Phi)}{m_e}} \)
Answer: (A)

Question

Light of frequency \( f \) is incident on a metallic surface of work function \( W \). Photoelectrons with a maximum kinetic energy \( E_{\max} \) are emitted. The frequency of the incident light is changed to \( 2f \).
What is true about the maximum kinetic energy and the work function?
OptionMaximum kinetic energyWork function
Aless than \(2E_{\max}\)unchanged
Bless than \(2E_{\max}\)greater than \(W\)
Cgreater than \(2E_{\max}\)unchanged
Dgreater than \(2E_{\max}\)greater than \(W\)
▶️ Answer / Explanation
Detailed solution

The photoelectric equation is:

\[ E_{\max} = hf – W \]

When the frequency is doubled:

\[ E’_{\max} = 2hf – W \]

Compare with: \[ 2E_{\max} = 2(hf – W) = 2hf – 2W \]

Since \(E’_{\max} = 2hf – W > 2hf – 2W\), the new maximum kinetic energy is greater than \(2E_{\max}\).

The work function \(W\) is a property of the metal and does not depend on the frequency of the incident light, so it remains unchanged.

Answer: C

Question

What is not correct about a photovoltaic cell?
(A) It has an output power that is related to the surface area of the cell.
(B) It generates an alternating current.
(C) It absorbs energy over a range of photon frequencies.
(D) It can be used to store energy in a secondary cell.
▶️ Answer / Explanation
Detailed solution

A photovoltaic (solar) cell works by the photoelectric effect, converting light energy directly into electrical energy.

• The output power depends on the surface area of the cell ✔️
• It absorbs photons over a range of frequencies ✔️
• The electrical energy produced can be stored using a secondary (rechargeable) cell ✔️

However, a photovoltaic cell produces direct current (DC), not alternating current. AC output requires an external inverter.

Answer: (B)

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