Final answer:
To answer a photoelectric effect related question, the work function of potassium can be calculated from the maximum kinetic energy of emitted electrons and the energy of the incident photons, while the cutoff wavelength and corresponding frequency can be derived from the work function.
option a. the work function of potassium is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
When light of wavelength 3.50 x 102 nm falls on a potassium surface and electrons with a maximum kinetic energy of 1.31 eV are emitted, we can find the work function (a), the cutoff wavelength (b), and the frequency corresponding to the cutoff wavelength (c) using the equations related to the photoelectric effect.
To find the work function of potassium, we use the equation Ephoton = Φ + Kmax, where Φ is the work function, Ephoton is the energy of the incoming photon, and Kmax is the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons. The energy of the photon can be calculated using Ephoton = (hc)/λ, where h is Planck's constant, c is the speed of light, and λ is the wavelength of the incident light. With Kmax given as 1.31 eV, we can calculate Φ by rearranging the equation: Φ = Ephoton - Kmax.
The cutoff wavelength can be determined using the equation λcutoff = (hc)/Φ, where λcutoff is the cutoff wavelength. Lastly, the frequency corresponding to the cutoff wavelength is found using the equation f = c/ λcutoff, where f is the frequency.
Based on the given information, the work function for potassium is 2.26 eV, and we can use this value to find the cutoff wavelength and the frequency.
Option a. the work function of potassium is correct.