StreakPeaked· Practice

ExamsJEE AdvancedPhysics

In a photoelectric effect experiment, a point source of light illuminates a metal surface. If the source is moved farther away from the metal, what happens to the stopping potential?

  1. It increases.
  2. It decreases.
  3. It remains constant.
  4. It may either increase or decrease depending on the metal.

Correct answer: It remains constant.

Solution

The stopping potential equals eVₛ = h*f - phi, where f is the frequency of incident light and phi is the work function. Neither f nor phi changes when the source is moved farther away — only the intensity (rate of emission of photoelectrons) decreases. Hence the stopping potential remains constant.

Related JEE Advanced Physics questions

⚔️ Practice JEE Advanced Physics free + battle 1v1 →