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QPages 384-386: Q39: HC Verma: Concepts of Physics - Volume 2 Bohr's Model and Physics of the Atom Pages 384-386: Q39 Solution: Light from Balmer series of hydrogen is able to eject…

⚠️ Common Exam Traps & Conceptual Pitfalls

Students often take the first Balmer line (Hα) as the highest energy photon, but the true maximum is the series limit as $n oinfty$, giving $E_{max}=13.6/4=3.4$ eV. Always compute the limit, not the first transition.

Light from Balmer series of hydrogen is able to eject photoelectrons from a metal. What can be the maximum work function of the metal?

Step-by-Step Verified Solution

**Answer:** Maximum work function = 3.4 eV. **Step-by-Step Explanation:** The Balmer series has its highest energy line at the series limit (n=�_2), which is E = 13.6/4 = 3.4 eV. For photoelectric emission, work function must be less than 3.4 eV [citation:3].

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