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Lab Report No 01

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Meraab Mughal
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8 views6 pages

Lab Report No 01

Uploaded by

Meraab Mughal
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Lab report # 01

Submitted to :

Ma’am Aqsa waqar

Submitted by :

Syed Zain ul Abideen 22011510-006

Amara yousaf 22011510-052

Aima hanif 22011510-074

Syeda eman Zahra 22011510-062

Nayab Nadeem 22011510-098

Eman naseem 22011510-096

Section:

Bs 5th -B

Date:

28-01-25

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
Title: Measurement of Planck's Constant by Studying the Photoelectric Effect

Abstract: This experiment aims to determine Planck's constant (h) by studying the photoelectric
effect. The photoelectric effect demonstrates the quantum nature of light by showing that light
consists of photons, each with energy proportional to its frequency. By analyzing the relationship
between the stopping potential and the frequency of incident light on a photocathode, Planck's
constant can be calculated. The experiment confirms Einstein’s photoelectric equation and
provides insight into the particle nature of light.

Introduction: The photoelectric effect is the emission of electrons from a material when light of
sufficient energy strikes its surface. Einstein's explanation of the photoelectric effect in 1905
marked a turning point in physics, introducing the concept of quantized light energy packets
called photons. Each photon has an energy given by ε = hν, where ν is the frequency of light, and
h is Planck’s constant. The experiment involves measuring the stopping potential for electrons
ejected by light of varying frequencies and using this data to calculate Planck’s constant.

History:

1. 1887 - Heinrich Hertz: Observed the photoelectric effect while experimenting with
spark gaps.

2. 1899 - J.J. Thomson: Identified the emission of electrons in the photoelectric effect.

3. 1902 - Philipp Lenard: Showed that the kinetic energy of photoelectrons depends on
light frequency, not intensity.

4. 1905 - Albert Einstein: Proposed the photon theory of light, explaining the photoelectric
effect and winning the Nobel Prize in 1921.
Applications:

1. Solar Cells: Converts sunlight into electricity based on the photoelectric effect.

2. Photodetectors: Used in cameras and scientific instruments to detect light.

3. Quantum Computing: Exploits photoelectric principles in qubits and light-based


systems.

4. Spectroscopy: Provides insights into atomic and molecular structures.

5. Medical Imaging: X-ray machines and photoelectric sensors rely on this phenomenon.

Procedure:

1. Setup: Assemble the experimental apparatus, including a vacuum photocell,


monochromatic light source, variable voltage supply, and a voltmeter.

2. Alignment: Direct the monochromatic light onto the photocathode of the vacuum
photocell.

3. Voltage Adjustment: Gradually vary the applied voltage to find the stopping potential
for each light frequency.

4. Data Collection: Record the stopping potential (V) for at least five different frequencies
(ν) of light.

5. Repeat: Repeat the measurements to ensure consistency and minimize errors.

6. Graph: Plot the stopping potential (V) versus frequency (ν) on a graph.

Pictures:
Observation Table:

Frequency (ν) Stopping Potential (V) Work Function (Φ) (eV)


(Hz) (V)

4.0 × 10¹⁴ 0.75 2.1

4.5 × 10¹⁴ 1.05 2.1

5.0 × 10¹⁴ 1.35 2.1

5.5 × 10¹⁴ 1.65 2.1


6.0 × 10¹⁴ 1.95 2.1

Calculations:

1. Use Einstein’s photoelectric equation:

2. Rearrange to form: Here, is the slope of the graph.

3. From the graph, calculate the slope:

4. Calculate Planck’s constant (h): where is the charge of an electron (1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ C).

5. Verify the work function (Φ) from the intercept on the voltage axis.

Formula:
ΔV
Slope=
Δν

h=Slop×e
Final Calculation:
h=(6.0×10−6)×(1.602×10−19)=9.612×10−34Js

Precautions:

1. Ensure the photocell is clean and properly aligned with the light source.

2. Use monochromatic light to maintain consistent frequency.

3. Avoid external light interference in the experimental setup.

4. Calibrate the voltmeter and ammeter before use.

5. Repeat measurements for accuracy and minimize errors.

Conclusion: The experiment successfully measures Planck’s constant by analyzing the


photoelectric effect. The slope of the voltage-frequency graph provides a reliable estimate of h,
reinforcing the quantum theory of light and Einstein’s photoelectric equation. Discrepancies in
the results may arise from instrumental or observational errors, emphasizing the importance of
precision in experimental physics.

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