Following results are observed when sodium metal is irradiated with different wavelengths. Calculate (a) threshold wavelength and, (b) Planck’s constant. λ (nm) 500 450 400 v × 10⁻⁵ (cm s⁻¹) 2.55 4.35 5.35
Threshold wavelength () is approximately nm
Planck's constant () is approximately J s
Explanation
Using Einstein's photoelectric equation , we can set up simultaneous equations using the given pairs of wavelengths and velocities. Note that the velocity values in the table are interpreted as m/s (or cm/s) to yield physically consistent results for Planck's constant. By subtracting the equations for different wavelengths, the threshold work function term cancels out, allowing us to solve for . Substituting back into one of the equations gives the threshold wavelength .