The photoelectric effect: AQA A‑Level Physics questions

AQA A-Level Physics past-paper questions on 3.2.2.1 The photoelectric effect, 2008–2025, with mark schemes and examiner’s reports where available.

All 89 questions on The photoelectric effect, as a list

June 2025, Paper 1, Q12 (1 mark): In a photoelectric effect experiment, monochromatic light is incident on a metal surface and the stopping potential is measured. Which change results in a great
June 2025, Paper 1, Q22 (1 mark): The work function of a metal is . A photon with an energy of 3.8 × 10−19 J is incident on the metal surface. Electrons are emitted from the surface with a maxim
June 2025, Paper 1, Q30 (1 mark): In a photoelectric experiment, the maximum kinetic energy Ek(max) of the emitted electrons and the frequency f of the incident radiation are measured. A graph o
June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q07.1 (2 marks): State what is meant by the threshold frequency of radiation in the photoelectric effect. [2 marks]
June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q07.2 (1 mark): Calculate Vs. [1 mark] Vs = V
June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q07.3 (2 marks): The radiation incident on the magnesium has a frequency of 1710 THz. Calculate the work function of the magnesium. [2 marks] work function = J
June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q07.4 (3 marks): The frequency f of the electromagnetic radiation is varied. Figure 11 shows the variation of Ek(max) with f for magnesium. Figure 11 Metal X and metal Y are ill
June 2024, Paper 1, Q09 (1 mark): In two separate experiments, electromagnetic radiation of variable frequency f is incident on the surfaces of plates made from metals X and Y. The work function
June 2024, Paper 1, Q10 (1 mark): Monochromatic light is incident on a metal surface in a vacuum and photoelectrons are emitted from the surface. The photoelectric current I is the rate of flow
June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q14 (1 mark): Monochromatic radiation from light source P is incident on a metal surface and photoelectrons are emitted. When monochromatic radiation from light source Q is u
June 2023, Paper 1, Q12 (1 mark): Photoelectrons are released when monochromatic light with a photon energy of 4.2 × 10−19 J is incident on a metal surface. The work function of the surface is 2
June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q13 (1 mark): Monochromatic light of frequency f is incident on a metal surface in a vacuum. Photoelectrons are emitted from the surface. The photoelectric current I is measu
June 2022, Paper 1, Q14 (1 mark): In photoelectricity, Vs is the stopping potential. What quantity is eVs? [1 mark] A energy of an incident photon B maximum kinetic energy of a photoelectron C t
June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q04.1 (6 marks): Discuss how the rate of loss of charge from the plate depends on the frequency and intensity of the incident radiation. In your answer you should explain why: •
June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q04.2 (3 marks): Charged particles are emitted from the metal plate with a maximum kinetic energy of 1.1 eV when radiation of frequency 1.2 × 1015 Hz is incident on the plate. C
November 2021, Paper 1, Q13 (1 mark): Monochromatic light with a photon energy of 4.1 × 10−19 J is incident on a metal surface. The maximum speed of the photoelectrons released is 4.2 × 105 m s−1. W
November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q21 (1 mark): The graph shows how the maximum kinetic energy Ek(max) of photoelectrons emitted from a metal surface varies with the frequency f of the incident radiation. P i
November 2020, Paper 1, Q02.1 (2 marks): Explain why the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation must be greater than a certain value. [2 marks]
November 2020, Paper 1, Q02.2 (2 marks): Determine the number of photoelectrons per second leaving the photoemissive surface when the current is a maximum. [2 marks] number of photoelectrons per second
November 2020, Paper 1, Q02.3 (2 marks): Explain why I reaches a constant value for positive values of V. [2 marks]
November 2020, Paper 1, Q02.4 (3 marks): Explain why I decreases as the value of V becomes more negative. [3 marks]
November 2020, Paper 1, Q02.5 (3 marks): The investigation is repeated with a different photoemissive surface that has a smaller value of the work function. The source of electromagnetic radiation is u
November 2020, AS Paper 2, Q04.2 (2 marks): A photon of light from the scintillation material enters the PMT, as shown in Figure 7. The front of the PMT contains a thin photocathode. The photon strikes th
June 2019, Paper 1, Q10 (1 mark): Light of frequency 2.0 × 1015 Hz is incident on a metal surface. The work function of the metal is 4.6 × 10–19 J. Which statement is correct? [1 mark] A No phot
June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q11 (1 mark): Photons of energy 1.0 × 10–18 J are incident on a metal surface and cause the emission of electrons from the metal surface. Which statement about the emitted el
June 2018, Paper 1, Q14 (1 mark): Photons of wavelength 290 nm are incident on a metal plate. The work function of the metal is 4.1 eV What is the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons
June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q03.3 (3 marks): The surface of a sample of caesium is exposed to photons emitted in each of the three transitions shown in Figure 3. The threshold frequency of caesium is 5.1 ×
June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q03.4 (3 marks): Photons each with energy 12.1 eV are incident on the surface of the caesium sample. Calculate the maximum speed of electrons emitted from the caesium. [3 marks]
June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q09 (1 mark): The graph shows how the maximum kinetic energy Ek of photoelectrons emitted from a metal surface varies with the reciprocal of the wavelength λ of the incident
June 2017, Paper 1, Q10 (1 mark): A beam of light of wavelength λ is incident on a clean metal surface and photoelectrons are emitted. The wavelength of the light is halved but energy incident p
June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q20 (1 mark): When light of a certain frequency greater than the threshold frequency of a metal is directed at the metal, photoelectrons are emitted from the surface. The pow
June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q21 (1 mark): Line X on the graphs below shows how the maximum kinetic energy of emitted photoelectrons varies with the frequency of incident radiation for a particular metal
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q05.1 (3 marks): Electromagnetic radiation is incident on the photoemissive surface. Explain why there is a current only if the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation is abo
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q05.2 (2 marks): State and explain the effect on the current when the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation is increased. [2 marks]
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q05.3 (3 marks): A student investigates the properties of the photocell. The student uses a source of electromagnetic radiation of fixed frequency and observes that there is a c
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q05.4 (1 mark): Use your answer from Question 5.3 to calculate the stopping potential for the photoemissive surface. [1 mark] stopping potential = ____________________ V
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q05.5 (3 marks): The student increases the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation. Explain the effect this has on the stopping potential. [3 marks]
Specimen, Paper 1, Q09 (1 mark): Monochromatic radiation from a source of light (source A) is shone on to a metallic surface and electrons are emitted from the surface. When a second source (so
Specimen, Paper 1, Q14 (1 mark): In a photoelectric experiment, light is incident on the metal surface of a photocell. Increasing the intensity of the illumination at the surface leads to an in
June 2016, PHYA5 Turning points (old spec), Q2(a) (6 marks): The arrangement shown in Figure 2 is used by a student in a photoelectric effect experiment. Figure 2 Monochromatic light falls on the photocathode. A current i
June 2016, PHYA5 Turning points (old spec), Q2(b)(i) (3 marks): Calculate the work function of the surface material. [3 marks] work function = ____________________________ J
June 2016, PHYA5 Turning points (old spec), Q2(b)(ii) (2 marks): The polarity of the battery in Figure 2 is now reversed and light of 490 nm is incident on the photocathode. The energy of the light falling on the surface of t
June 2015, PHYA1 (old spec), Q4(a)(i) (2 marks): State what is meant by work function. [2 marks]
June 2015, PHYA1 (old spec), Q4(c) (3 marks): Electromagnetic radiation with the frequency calculated in part (b) is incident on the surface of a piece of sodium. Calculate the maximum possible kinetic ener
June 2014, PHYA5 Turning points (old spec), Q2(a) (3 marks): The potential of the metal surface may be changed by adjusting the potential divider. Explain why the microammeter reading decreases when the metal surface is m
June 2014, PHYA5 Turning points (old spec), Q2(b)(i) (2 marks): Draw a graph on the axes below to show how Vs varies with the frequency f of the incident light. [2 marks] Vs 0 0 f
June 2014, PHYA5 Turning points (old spec), Q2(b)(ii) (3 marks): Use the photoelectric equation hf = φ + Ek to explain your graph. [3 marks]
June 2014, PHYA5 Turning points (old spec), Q2(c) (4 marks): Using the circuit in Figure 2, the stopping potential was 1.92 V for light of wavelength 418 nm. Use this information to calculate the work function of the meta
June 2013, PHYA1 (old spec), Q4(a) (3 marks): Explain why the emitted electrons have a range of kinetic energies up to a maximum value.
June 2013, PHYA1 (old spec), Q4(b)(i) (3 marks): Show that the work function of the metal is 1.8eV. (3 marks)
June 2013, PHYA1 (old spec), Q4(b)(ii) (3 marks): Calculate the threshold frequency of the metal. Give your answer to an appropriate number of significant figures. threshold frequency Hz (3 marks)
June 2013, PHYA1 (old spec), Q4(c)(i) (2 marks): State and explain the effect on the emitted electrons of decreasing the frequency of the incident radiation whilst keeping the intensity constant. (2 marks)
June 2013, PHYA1 (old spec), Q4(c)(ii) (2 marks): State and explain the effect on the emitted electrons of doubling the intensity of the incident radiation whilst keeping the frequency constant. (2 marks)
June 2012, PHYA1 (old spec), Q4(a)(i) (2 marks): State what is meant by work function. (2 marks)
June 2012, PHYA1 (old spec), Q4(a)(ii) (4 marks): Explain why the emitted electrons have a range of kinetic energies up to a maximum value.
June 2012, PHYA1 (old spec), Q4(a)(iii) (4 marks): Calculate the frequency of the light. Give your answer to an appropriate number of significant figures. answer = Hz (4 marks)
June 2012, PHYA1 (old spec), Q4(b) (2 marks): In order to explain the photoelectric effect the wave model of electromagnetic radiation was replaced by the photon model. Explain what must happen in order for
January 2011, PHYA1 (old spec), Q4(a) (6 marks): The photoelectric effect suggests that electromagnetic waves can exhibit particle - like behaviour. Explain what is meant by threshold frequency and why the exi
June 2010, PHYA5 Turning points (old spec), Q2(a)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the maximum kinetic energy of a photoelectron emitted from the surface when the metal surface is uncharged. answer = J (2 marks)
June 2010, PHYA5 Turning points (old spec), Q2(a)(ii) (3 marks): Calculate the work function of the metal surface, in J. answer = J (3 marks)
June 2010, PHYA5 Turning points (old spec), Q2(b)(i) (2 marks): Explain this observation. (2 marks)
June 2010, PHYA5 Turning points (old spec), Q2(b)(ii) (2 marks): How did this observation contribute to the failure of the wave theory of light?
June 2010, PHYA1 (old spec), Q3(a)(i) (2 marks): Explain why the kinetic energy of the emitted electrons has a maximum value. (2 marks)
June 2010, PHYA1 (old spec), Q3(a)(ii) (2 marks): Explain with reference to the work function why, if the frequency of the radiation is below a certain value, electrons are not emitted. (2 marks)
June 2010, PHYA1 (old spec), Q3(a)(iii) (1 mark): State a unit for work function. (1 mark)
June 2010, PHYA1 (old spec), Q3(b)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the energy of an incident photon. answer = J (2 marks)
June 2010, PHYA1 (old spec), Q3(b)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate the number of photons incident per second on each square millimetre of the metal surface. answer = (2 marks)
June 2010, PHYA1 (old spec), Q3(c)(i) (1 mark): The light striking the surface delivers energy to this small area at a rate of 3.0 × 10–22Js–1. The minimum energy required to liberate the electron is 6.8 × 10
June 2010, PHYA1 (old spec), Q3(c)(ii) (2 marks): In practice the time delay calculated in part c (i) does not occur. Explain how this experimental evidence was used to develop the particle model for the behavi
January 2010, PHYA1 (old spec), Q4(a)(i) (1 mark): State what is meant by the threshold frequency of the incident light. (1 mark)
January 2010, PHYA1 (old spec), Q4(a)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why the photoelectric effect is not observed below the threshold frequency. (2 marks)
January 2010, PHYA1 (old spec), Q4(b)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the energy of a single photon of this light. answer = J (2 marks)
January 2010, PHYA1 (old spec), Q4(b)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate the maximum kinetic energy of an electron emitted from the surface. answer = J (2 marks)
January 2010, PHYA1 (old spec), Q4(b)(iii) (2 marks): Calculate the maximum speed of the emitted electron. answer = ms–1 (2 marks)
June 2009, PHYA1 (old spec), Q4(a)(i) (2 marks): increasing the frequency of the light, (2 marks)
June 2009, PHYA1 (old spec), Q4(a)(ii) (2 marks): increasing the intensity of the light. (2 marks)
June 2009, PHYA1 (old spec), Q4(b) (2 marks): The wave model was once an accepted explanation for the nature of light. It was rejected when validated evidence was used to support a particle model of the nat
June 2009, PHYA1 (old spec), Q4(c)(i) (3 marks): Calculate the work function of lithium, stating an appropriate unit, answer (3 marks)
June 2009, PHYA1 (old spec), Q4(c)(ii) (3 marks): Calculate the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons when light of frequency 6.2 × 10 14 HZ is incident on the surface of a sample of lithium.
January 2009, PHYA1 (old spec), Q2(a) (6 marks): Explain • in terms of photons why electrons are released from the metal surface, and • why the kinetic energy of the emitted electrons varies upto a maximum val
January 2009, PHYA1 (old spec), Q2(b)(i) (1 mark): On the graph mark the threshold frequency and label it f0. (1 mark)
January 2009, PHYA1 (old spec), Q2(b)(ii) (2 marks): On the graph draw a line for a metal which has a higher threshold frequency. (2 marks)
January 2009, PHYA1 (old spec), Q2(b)(iii) (1 mark): State what is represented by the gradient of the graph. (1 mark)
January 2009, PHYA1 (old spec), Q2(c) (3 marks): The threshold frequency of a particular metal surface is 5.6 × 10 14 Hz. Calculate the maximum kinetic energy of emitted electrons if the frequency of the light
January 2009, PA01 (2008 spec), Q3(a) (3 marks): 3 (a) When electromagnetic radiation is incident on a particular metal plate, photoelectrons are emitted only when the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiati
January 2009, PA01 (2008 spec), Q3(b) (5 marks): 3 (b) A sodium metal plate is illuminated with electromagnetic radiation of wavelength 4.90 × 10 –7 m. The work function of sodium is 3.94 × 10 –19 J 3 (b) (i)
January 2008, PA01 (2008 spec), Q2(a) (2 marks): (a) State what is meant by the work function of the metal. (2 marks)
January 2008, PA01 (2008 spec), Q2(b) (4 marks): (b) (i) Show that the work function of the metal is 1.2 × 10 –18 J. (ii) Calculate the threshold frequency for the metal. (4 marks)
January 2008, PA01 (2008 spec), Q2(c) (4 marks): (c) The wavelength of the incident electromagnetic radiation remains at 1.50 ×10 –7 m but its intensity is doubled. State and explain what changes occur, if any

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