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Question #42617
The Question
A monochromatic light beam of frequency illuminates a photoelectric surface with work function (). The intensity of the beam is modulated such that the instantaneous photon flux (number of photons per unit area per unit time) is given by , where and are positive constants. Assume that the photoelectric emission is instantaneous and the saturation photocurrent is strictly proportional to the incident photon flux. If is the time-averaged saturation photocurrent over a long period, which of the following correctly gives the root-mean-square (RMS) saturation photocurrent and the stopping potential ?
Options
- A.
- B.
- C.
- D.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Intuition_Breaker
Train your brain to resist "obvious" answers that are designed to deceive your intuition.
Concepts Behind This Question
Mean vs. RMS Values|Stopping Potential Sign|Intensity and Photon Flux
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
This question tests the fundamental distinction between the quantum nature of individual photoelectric events and macroscopic time-averaged observables.
A common trap is assuming that a time-varying intensity (photon flux) causes the stopping potential to fluctuate, confusing the energy of individual photons with the total beam intensity.
Furthermore, it challenges the mathematical calculation of RMS values for non-standard periodic functions; students often incorrectly apply the standard AC formula or confuse RMS with the mean value, failing to rigorously integrate the squared instantaneous current.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Physics |
| Chapter | Oscillations - Class 11 Part 2 |
| Concept | Mean vs. RMS Values |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 7 |
| Target Solve Time | 160 sec |
| Access | Free |