Correct answer: 1:2
The maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons is given by K.E. = E - W, where E is the photon energy and W is the work function. For 1 eV photon, K.E. = 1 - 0.5 = 0.5 eV. For 2.5 eV photon, K.E. = 2.5 - 0.5 = 2 eV. Since speed is proportional to the square root of kinetic energy, the ratio of speeds is √(0.5):√(2) = 1:2.