Experiment No. 14 Planck's Constant Measuring With Filters
Experiment No. 14 Planck's Constant Measuring With Filters
Experiment No. 14 Planck's Constant Measuring With Filters
14
Planck’s constant measuring with filters
Aim: 1. To determine Planck’s Constant and work function using photo electric effect.
2. To verify inverse square law of radiation.
Apparatus used: Experimental set up for measurement of Planck’s constant, filters of different colours.
where
Vs = Stopping potential
e = Electronic charge
= Frequency of light used
= Work function
h = Planck’s constant
The slope of straight line obtained by plotting a graph Vs as a function of yields 𝑒 and the intercept of
ℎ
extrapolated point = 0 gives the work function of Cesium Antimony film (Cs-Sb)
Theory:
It was observed as early as 1905 that most metals under influence of radiation, emit electrons.
This phenomenon was termed as photoelectric emission. The detailed study of it has shown:
1. That the emission process depends strongly on frequency of radiation.
2. For each metal there exists a critical frequency such that light of lower frequency is unable to liberate
electrons, while light of higher frequency always does.
3. The emission of electron occurs within a very short time interval after arrival of the radiation and
number of electrons is strictly proportional to the intensity of this radiation.
The experimental facts given above are among the strongest evidence that the electromagnetic field is
quantified and the field consists of quanta of energy E= h where is the frequency of the radiation and
h is the Planck’s constant. These quanta are called photons.
Further it is assumed that electrons are bound inside the metal surface with an energy e , where is
called the work function. It then follows that if the frequency of the light is such that
h > e , it will be possible to eject photoelectron, while if h <e , it would be impossible.
In the former case, the excess energy of photon appears as kinetic energy of the electron, so that
h = mv2 + e mv2 = h - e
1 1
......(1) or
2 2
which is the famous photoelectric equation formulated by Einstein in 1905.
If we apply a retarding potential V0 so as to stop the photo electrons completely, it is known as stopping
potential Vs. At that instant
mv2 = eVs or eVs = h - e
1
2
Or Vs =
ℎ
𝑒
- .
So when we plot a graph V0 as a function of , the slope of the straight line yields
ℎ
and the intercept of
𝑒
extrapolated point at =0 gives work function .
E 2
𝐿
𝑟
If this light is allowed to fall on the cathode of a photo-electric cell, then the photo-electric current (I)
would be proportional to E.
𝐿
E = 𝑟2 = 𝐾. 𝐼
1
Hence a graph between 𝑟2
and I is a straight line, which verify the inverse square law of radiation.
Apparatus Used :
The apparatus consists of the following :
STRUCTURE
1. Insert the red color filter (635nm), set light intensity switch (12) at strong light, voltage direction
switch (14) at ‘-‘, display mode switch (10) at current display.
2. Adjust to de-accelerating voltage to 0 V and set current multiplier (4) at X0.001. Increase the de-
accelerating to decrease the photo current to zero. Take down the de-accelerating voltage (Vs)
corresponding to zero current of 635nm wavelength. Get the Vs of other wave lengths, the same
way.
Observation:
Table 1 For determination of Planck’s Constant and work function
Calculations :
From graph (1) Vs vs
h = e × slope of graph
∆𝑉𝑠
h=e
∆
Substituting the values of ∆Vs and ∆ from graph (1)
h can be found, h = ….. Joule– sec.
Standard value of h = 6.62x10-34 Joules-sec
Again from graph (1) intercept at = 0.
Work function = intercept on y axis = ………………volts.
Result:
1. Planck’s constant ‘h’ is found to be work function h = ……..J-sec
= ……..V.
1
2. Graph between 2 along X axis and I along Y axis is a straight line hence proves the inverse
𝑟
square law of radiation.
Precautions:
1. This instrument should be operated in a dry, cool indoor space.
2. Phototube particularly should not be exposed to direct light, particularly at the time of installation
of phototube; the room should be only dimly lit.
3. The instrument should be kept in dust proof and moisture proof environment., if there is dust on
the phototube, color filter, lens etc. clean it by using absorbent cotton with a few drops of alcohol.
4. The color filter should be stored in dry and dust proof environment.
5. After finishing the experiment remember to switch off power and cover the drawtube (4) with the
lens cover (15) provided. Phototube is light sensitive device and its sensitivity decrease with
exposure to light and due to ageing.