The anode voltage of a photocell is kept fixed. The wavelength λ of the light falling on the cathode is gradually changed. The plate current I of the photocell varies as follows:
(A)(see structure)
(B)(see structure)
(C)(see structure)✓ Correct
(D)(see structure)
Answer: (C)
Solution
A photocell passes current only when the incident photons carry enough energy to eject electrons, which means the wavelength must stay shorter than the threshold λ0. For every λ<λ0 emission occurs and, with the collecting voltage held fixed, the current sits at its steady saturation value; the instant λ climbs past λ0 the photons are too feeble and the current drops to zero. The matching graph is the one that holds a constant current up to λ0 and then falls sharply to nothing.
JEE Main · 2013 · 07 Apr 2013 · Offline · Single correct option