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Which of the following statements are true?

a. Hotter objects have a smaller peak frequency
b. Increasing the light intensity on a piece of metal will increase the number of electrons ejected (assuming f>fo).
c. Decreasing a photon's frequency increases its momentum.
d. If an electron drops down to the ground state, a photon will be emitted.

User Tolbxela
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

In summary, the true statement is that increasing the light intensity on a piece of metal will increase the number of electrons ejected assuming the frequency is above the threshold, and when an electron drops to the ground state, a photon is emitted. However, hotter objects actually have a higher peak frequency, and decreasing a photon's frequency decreases its momentum. Answer number b and d is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question pertains to the photoelectric effect and the behavior of photons and electrons in different circumstances. Here's a breakdown of the true statements:

  • Hotter objects have a smaller peak frequency: False. Hotter objects emit radiation with a higher peak frequency, not smaller, according to Planck's law.
  • Increasing the light intensity on a piece of metal will increase the number of electrons ejected (assuming f>fo): True. As the intensity of light increases, more photons hit the metal surface, thus more electrons can be ejected provided the frequency of the light is above the threshold frequency.
  • Decreasing a photon's frequency increases its momentum: False. The momentum of a photon is directly proportional to its frequency, so decreasing the frequency actually decreases its momentum.
  • If an electron drops down to the ground state, a photon will be emitted: True. This emission occurs as the electron releases energy equal to the difference between the higher energy level and the ground state.

User Amol Wadekar
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