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QPages 363-364: Q8: HC Verma: Concepts of Physics - Volume 2 Photoelectric Effect and Wave-Particle Duality Pages 363-364: Q8 Solution: When stopping potential is applied in an experiment on…

⚠️ Common Exam Traps & Conceptual Pitfalls

Students often confuse the stopping potential with the threshold frequency, incorrectly assuming that applying a retarding potential physically stops the photoelectric effect at the source. In reality, photoelectrons are still emitted from the cathode, but the stopping potential ($V_0$) creates an electric field that prevents even the highest energy electrons from reaching the collector, resulting in zero measured current.

When stopping potential is applied in an experiment on photoelectric effect, no photoelectric is observed. This means that

Multiple Choice Options

  • A the emission of photoelectrons is stopped
  • B the photoelectrons are emitted but are re-absorbed
  • C the photoelectrons are accumulated near the collector plate
  • D the photoelectrons are dispersed from the sides of the apparatus

Step-by-Step Verified Solution

**Answer:** (a) the emission of photoelectrons is stopped. **Step-by-Step Explanation:** Stopping potential is the potential at which no photoelectrons reach the collector.

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