The work function of an electron present in the silicon atom is 1.1eV. Calculate the kinetic energy of the electron if the photon energy received by the silicon atom is 4.2eV

1 answer

To calculate the kinetic energy of the electron when a photon with energy is incident on the silicon atom, we can use the photoelectric effect equation:

\[ K.E. = E_{\text{photon}} - \phi \]

where:

  • \( K.E. \) is the kinetic energy of the emitted electron,
  • \( E_{\text{photon}} \) is the energy of the incoming photon,
  • \( \phi \) is the work function of the material (energy needed to remove the electron from the atom).

In this case:

  • \( E_{\text{photon}} = 4.2 , \text{eV} \)
  • \( \phi = 1.1 , \text{eV} \)

Now, we can substitute these values into the equation:

\[ K.E. = 4.2 , \text{eV} - 1.1 , \text{eV} \]

Calculating this gives:

\[ K.E. = 3.1 , \text{eV} \]

Thus, the kinetic energy of the electron is \( 3.1 , \text{eV} \).