The energy of the incident radiation that causes photoelectrons to be emitted can be calculated using the stopping potential, V, via the equation
E=eV,
where e is the elementary charge.
The elementary charge, e, is approximately equal to 1.602×10−19 C. So the energy of the incident radiation is
E=1.602×10−19C×5V=8.01×10−19J.
We convert this to electron volts (eV) by using the conversion factor 1eV=1.602×10−19J. So
E=1.602×10−19J/eV8.01×10−19J=5eV.
This is less than the threshold energy of 6.2eV, which means that the incident radiation does not have enough energy to overcome the work function of the metal and thus cannot cause photoelectrons to be emitted.
The regions of the electromagnetic spectrum are generally classified by energy as follows:
- Infrared: Less than about 1.24eV
- Visible: Between about 1.24eV and 3.1eV
- Ultraviolet: Between about 3.1eV and 124eV
- X-rays: Greater than about 124eV
Therefore, the incident radiation falls in the ultraviolet region.