Question

In the photoelectric effect (for a given target and a given frequency of the incident light), which of these quantities depend on the intensity of the incident light beam?

• A. The maximum kinetic energy of the electrons
• B. The stopping potential
• C. The threshold frequency
• D. The maximum photoelectric current

Answer 1

The correct option is D The maximum photoelectric current

$K.E_{max}=h\nu -h{\nu }_0$
Maximum K.E of electrons depends on the frequency of incident light and is independent of the intensity.

Stopping potential $V_0$ is the minimum potential required to the stop the emitted electrons completely.
$e{V}_0=K.E_{max}$
Hence, stopping potential is also independent of intensity.

Threshold frequency (${\nu }_0$) is a property of the material. It doesn't depend on intensity.

Maximum photoelectric current does depend on the intensity as the no. of photoelectrons emitted increases with intensity.