LAB # 7

To describe the variation of photo-electric current with the intensity

of light.
APPARATUS:

Photoelectric cell, sensitive galvanometer preferably a ballistic galvanometer, rheostat, keys,

battery, electric lamp, optical bench or some other arrangement to measure distance ‘d’.

THEORY:

When light shines on a clean metal surface, electrons may be ejected. This occurs only when the electrons
in the metal absorb enough energy from the light to escape from the metal. This energy is called the binding
energy or work function. The work function is different for each type of metal. Energy absorbed more than
this binding energy is carried off by the electron as kinetic energy. Some of this kinetic energy may be
transferred to other electrons or atoms in the metal so that the electrons will have a range of kinetic energies
leaving the metal.
Consider the following theories:

Theory 1 -Classical Electromagnetism

Classical wave theory states that when light energy is absorbed by electrons, energy is transferred
continuously. After an electron has absorbed sufficient energy, it will leave the metal with a minimum of
kinetic energy. Increasing the light intensity (electromagnetic energy per second per unit area) causes
electrons to leave the metal at a greater rate and attain greater kinetic energy. Increasing the frequency while
maintaining light intensity does not change the rate of electron emission. Any frequency of light will eject
electrons if sufficient intensity and time is provided.

Theory 2 -Light as Quanta

Quantum theory claims that the energy of light is concentrated into discrete bundles called photons. For a
given wavelength of light, each photon has the same energy
 E = hf = hc/λ - - - - - - - - (1)

Where h is a constant, f is the frequency of the light, c is the speed of light, and λ its wavelength. The
intensity of light determines the rate of electron emission from the metal provided that each photon has
sufficient energy to eject an electron. Light of sufficiently high frequency f ejects electrons even at very
low intensities.

Photo-electric Cell:

A photo-electric cell is a device that converts light into electricity using the principle of photoelectric
effect. Two main types of photoelectric cell are in the phototube and the solid-state photo detector.

Phototube

The phototube is an electron tube in which photoelectric emission of electrons take place to produce

electric current. In its simplest form the phototube is composed of a cathode coated with a photosensitive

material, and an anode. Light falling upon the cathode causes the liberation of electrons, which are then

attracted to the positively charged anode, resulting in a flow of electrons (i.e., current) proportional to the

intensity of the light. Phototubes may be highly evacuated, or filled with an inert gas at low pressure to

achieve greater sensitivity. In a modification called the multiplier phototube, or photomultiplier, a series

of metal plates are shaped and arranged so that the photoelectric emission is amplified by secondary

electron emission. The multiplier phototube is capable of detecting radiation of extremely low intensity; it

is an essential tool for nuclear research, astronomy, and space guidance systems.

Solid-State Photo-detector

The second type of photoelectric cell, the solid-state photo-detector, has replaced the phototube for many

applications because it is small, inexpensive, and uses little power. Photo detector is further sub divided

as photoconductors, charged couple device, photodiodes

In a photocell, the number of photo-electrons is proportional to the intensity of incident light of certain

frequency. In other words, the intensity (I) of the incident light is proportional to the deflection (θ)

produced in the galvanometer (or current indicated by the micro ammeter), i.e.

In a photocell, the number of photo-electrons is proportional to the intensity of the incident light of certain

frequency. In other words, the intensity (I) of the incident light is proportional to the deflection (θ)

produced in the galvanometer or ammeter.

I α θ - - - - - - (2)

But according to inverse square law of radiation, the intensity of light from a source is inversely

proportional to the square of the distance (d) from the source i.e.,

I α 1/d2 - - - - - - - (3)

On comparing (2) and (3) we get

θ α 1/d2 - - - - - - (4)

The above equation shows that the photo-electric current, which is measured by the deflection θ, is directly

proportional to the intensity of the incident light. It means that if we plot a graph between θ and 1/d 2, it

should be a straight line.

Experiment Design

The schematic diagram of photo electric effect is given below; light enters a vacuum tube and strikes a

metal surface E (cathode). Electrons are then emitted from the metal and strike collector plate C (anode).

The stream of electrons coming off E constitutes a current in the circuit, which can be detected and

measured by the ammeter A / galvanometer G. The potential between E and C can also be varied by

connecting a variable power supply between them. By keeping the potential between them constant, you

can vary the number of electrons that reach C and hence control the current of the circuit.
 Figure 1

PROCEDURE

1. Make the connections as shown in the diagram. Connect the cathode of the photo-cell to the
negative terminal of a battery B or power supply through a rheostat, key K and galvanometer
G. Connect the anode of the photo-cell to the positive terminal of the battery. With the help
of rheostat, we can apply the required voltage to the electrodes of the photo-cell.
2. Put a light source at some known distance from the cathode E and switch it on. When light
falls on the cathode E, it emits electrons. The cathode E, being negatively charged, repels the
electrons so emitted towards the anode C which attracts them and causes a photo-electric
current across the circuit. The cathode E is usually made concave to give a converging beam
of photo electrons for focusing purpose at the anode C.
3. Now displace the electric lamp towards the photo-cell in regular steps, decreasing distance
say, by 10 cm each time. Note down the d and corresponding deflection θ of the galvanometer
for each change of distance. Go on taking readings until the distance between the photo-cell
and electric bulb is 10cm.
4. Calculate 1/d2 for each observation.
 5. Draw a graph between 1/d2 and θ which will be a straight light as shown in diagram. The
graph shows that the photo-electric current is directly proportional to the intensity of light.

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

No. of Distance of Photo-cell Deflection of 1/d2

Obs. from the source galvanometer
cm θ
div
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Interference:

The graph between 1/d2 (intensity of light) and θ (photo-electric current) is a straight line, therefore photo-
electric current is directly proportional to the intensity of the incident light, i.e., the greater the intensity
(smaller the distance d), the larger the current.
PRECAUTIONS:

1. A sensitive galvanometer, such as a ballistic galvanometer, should be used.

2. A hole should be used in front of the light source to make it a point source
so that the intensity of light from it should obey the inverse square law.
3. The distance of the light source should be changed linearly without
changing the angle at which the beam of light falls initially on the cathode
of the photo-cell.
4. The voltage applied to the electrodes of the photo-cell should not be more
than the rated value.
5. Photo-cell should not be exposed to light for undue long time.