plumiThe photoelectric effect: OCR A‑Level Physics A questions
Every OCR A-Level Physics A exam question on 4.5.2 The photoelectric effect, 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.
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Q19(b)(i)
The whole paper ↗![June 2024 Paper 2, question 19(b)(i): Explain what is meant by the work function. [1]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h55602-jun24-19-bi-qp.webp?v=3)
Q19(b)(ii)
The whole paper ↗![June 2024 Paper 2, question 19(b)(ii): Calculate the maximum kinetic energy of the electrons leaving the photocathode. maximum kinetic energy = J [2]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h55602-jun24-19-bii-qp.webp?v=3)
Q19(b)(iv)
The whole paper ↗![June 2024 Paper 2, question 19(b)(iv): State one other assumption you have made to enable you to calculate the current I in (b)(iii). [1]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h55602-jun24-19-biv-qp.webp?v=3)
Q25(a)
The whole paper ↗![June 2024 AS Paper 1, question 25(a): State what is meant by the quantity KEmax. [1]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h15601-jun24-25-a-qp.webp?v=3)
Q25(b)
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Q25(c)
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Q23(b)
The whole paper ↗![June 2023 AS Paper 1, question 23(b): Explain why the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation must be above a minimum value for electrons to be released. [3]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h15601-jun23-23-b-qp.webp?v=3)
Q23(c)(i)
The whole paper ↗![June 2023 AS Paper 1, question 23(c)(i): The reading on the ammeter is proportional to the intensity of the radiation. Use your knowledge of the photoelectric effect to explain why. [3]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h15601-jun23-23-ci-qp.webp?v=3)
Q23(c)(ii)
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Q8(a)(i)
The whole paper ↗![June 2023 AS Paper 2, question 8(a)(i): State why electrons are emitted. [1]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h15602-jun23-08-ai-qp.webp?v=3)
Q8(a)(ii)
The whole paper ↗![June 2023 AS Paper 2, question 8(a)(ii): The metal plate has a threshold frequency of 990 THz. State what is meant by the term threshold frequency. [1]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h15602-jun23-08-aii-qp.webp?v=3)
Q8(b)(ii)
The whole paper ↗![June 2023 AS Paper 2, question 8(b)(ii): Determine the wavelength λ of the incident electromagnetic radiation. λ = m [3]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h15602-jun23-08-bii-qp.webp?v=3)
Q8(c)(i)
The whole paper ↗![June 2023 AS Paper 2, question 8(c)(i): the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons emitted from the surface of the metal plate [1]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h15602-jun23-08-ci-qp.webp?v=3)
Q8(c)(ii)
The whole paper ↗![June 2023 AS Paper 2, question 8(c)(ii): the rate of emission of the photoelectrons. [1]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h15602-jun23-08-cii-qp.webp?v=3)
Q19(a)
The whole paper ↗![June 2022 Paper 2, question 19(a): Calculate the work function of potassium in eV. work function = eV [3]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h55602-jun22-19-a-qp.webp?v=3)
All 58 questions on The photoelectric effect, as a list
- June 2025, Paper 2, Q17 (6 marks): 17* ‘Wave-particle duality’ refers to the idea that: • particles, such as electrons, can show behaviour characteristic of waves • waves, such as visible light,
- June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q6 (1 mark): Electromagnetic radiation with frequency of 2.2 × 1015 Hz is incident on a clean metal surface. 6 The work function of the metal is 3.7 eV. Photoelectrons are e
- June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q12 (1 mark): Electromagnetic radiation is incident on the surface of a clean metal sheet. The frequency of the radiation is greater than the threshold frequency of the metal
- June 2024, Paper 2, Q19(b)(i) (1 mark): Explain what is meant by the work function. [1]
- June 2024, Paper 2, Q19(b)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate the maximum kinetic energy of the electrons leaving the photocathode. maximum kinetic energy = J [2]
- June 2024, Paper 2, Q19(b)(iv) (1 mark): State one other assumption you have made to enable you to calculate the current I in (b)(iii). [1]
- June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q7 (1 mark): In a demonstration of the photoelectric effect the clean surface of a metal is radiated with photons of electromagnetic radiation. Electrons are released from t
- June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q25(a) (1 mark): State what is meant by the quantity KEmax. [1]
- June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q25(b) (3 marks): The photoelectric effect can be demonstrated using a gold leaf electroscope. The electroscope consists of a metal plate attached to a metal rod. A thin gold lea
- June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q25(c) (2 marks): The investigation is repeated using electromagnetic radiation with a frequency lower than the threshold frequency for the metal. The leaf does not fall. Explain
- June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q8 (1 mark): Electromagnetic radiation is incident on a clean metal plate. Electrons are released from the surface of the plate. Which statement is correct? A The energy of
- June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q23(b) (3 marks): Explain why the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation must be above a minimum value for electrons to be released. [3]
- June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q23(c)(i) (3 marks): The reading on the ammeter is proportional to the intensity of the radiation. Use your knowledge of the photoelectric effect to explain why. [3]
- June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q23(c)(ii) (4 marks): When the light meter is irradiated with monochromatic radiation of frequency 8.2 × 1015 Hz, the number of electrons emitted every second is 3.1 × 1018 s–1. The
- June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q8(a)(i) (1 mark): State why electrons are emitted. [1]
- June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q8(a)(ii) (1 mark): The metal plate has a threshold frequency of 990 THz. State what is meant by the term threshold frequency. [1]
- June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q8(b)(ii) (3 marks): Determine the wavelength λ of the incident electromagnetic radiation. λ = m [3]
- June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q8(c)(i) (1 mark): the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons emitted from the surface of the metal plate [1]
- June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q8(c)(ii) (1 mark): the rate of emission of the photoelectrons. [1]
- June 2022, Paper 2, Q19(a) (3 marks): Calculate the work function of potassium in eV. work function = eV [3]
- June 2022, Paper 2, Q19(c) (2 marks): Explain, in terms of photons, what happens to the ammeter reading when light of frequency greater than 6.3 × 1014 Hz is now incident on plate E. [2]
- June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q17 (1 mark): The photoelectric effect can be demonstrated using a gold-leaf electroscope. The zinc plate of the electroscope is negatively charged. Ultraviolet radiation inc
- June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q26(a)(i) (1 mark): Explain, in terms of the energy of photons, why metal C will not emit photoelectrons. [1]
- June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q26(a)(ii) (1 mark): Calculate the maximum wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation in nm that will just eject photoelectrons from metal D. maximum wavelength = nm [1]
- June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q26(a)(iii) (3 marks): The metal B is now exposed to electromagnetic radiation of a different wavelength. The energy of each incident photon is 5.3 eV. Calculate the minimum de Brogli
- June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q26(b)(i) (1 mark): Draw a straight line of best fit through the data points. [1]
- June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q26(b)(ii) (3 marks): Use the gradient of this line, and Einstein’s photoelectric equation, to determine the work function φ of the material. φ = J [3]
- November 2021, Paper 2, Q17(a) (1 mark): Define the work function of a metal. [1]
- November 2021, Paper 2, Q17(b)(i) (4 marks): Potassium emits electrons from its surface when blue light is incident on it. Extremely intense red light produces no electrons. Explain these observations in t
- November 2021, Paper 2, Q17(b)(ii) (4 marks): Light from a laser is incident on some potassium in a vacuum. Electrons are emitted. The wavelength of the light is 320 nm. Calculate the shortest de Broglie wa
- November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q3 (1 mark): A student is explaining the photoelectric effect to his friend. Which statement is correct? A An electron is emitted when the photon energy is greater than the
- November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q7(b)(i) (3 marks): Calculate the maximum kinetic energy KEmax in joules (J) of the photoelectrons emitted from the surface of the aluminium. KEmax = J [3]
- November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q7(b)(ii) (2 marks): The intensity of the electromagnetic radiation falling on the aluminium plate is now decreased without changing its wavelength. State and explain the change, if
- November 2020, Paper 2, Q3 (1 mark): Electromagnetic radiation is incident on a metal of work function 2.3 eV. The maximum kinetic energy (KE) of the photoelectrons is 1.7 eV. The frequency of this
- November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q28(a) (3 marks): Electromagnetic radiation, with a range of wavelengths, is incident on a metal. Electrons are removed from the metal due to the photoelectric effect. The maximu
- June 2019, Paper 2, Q19(c)(ii) (2 marks): The light from the LED is incident on a metal of work function 2.3 eV. Explain, with the help of a calculation, whether or not photoelectrons will be emitted fr
- June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q25(c) (4 marks): Electromagnetic waves interact with matter as photons. Explain the photoelectric effect using ideas of photons, conservation of energy and work function. [4]
- June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q6(a)(i) (1 mark): Define the term threshold frequency. [1]
- June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q6(a)(ii) (1 mark): Use Fig. 6 to state the threshold frequency f0 for silver. f0 Hz [1]
- June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q6(a)(iii) (2 marks): Use your answer in (ii) to calculate the work function φ of silver. Give your answer in electron volt (eV). φ = eV [2]
- June 2018, Paper 2, Q20(b) (4 marks): Fig. 20.2 shows a gold-leaf electroscope with a clean zinc plate. zinc plate gold leaf metal stem metal box Fig. 20.2 The zinc plate, metal stem and the gold-le
- June 2018, Paper 3, Q6(c)(i) (1 mark): Show that the maximum kinetic energy of an emitted electron at the photocathode is very small compared to its kinetic energy of 100 eV at the first dynode. [1]
- June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q17 (1 mark): Electromagnetic radiation is incident on a metal. The radiation has constant wavelength with each photon having an energy of 5.0 eV. The work function of the me
- June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q9(a)(i) (1 mark): Define the following terms from the equation
- June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q9(a)(ii) (1 mark): φ [1]
- June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q9(b)(i) (4 marks): Show that the maximum speed of the electrons emitted from the surface of the aluminium is 5.5 × 105 m s–1. [4]
- June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q9(b)(ii) (2 marks): State and explain what change, if any, occurs to the maximum speed of the emitted electrons when the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation is increased. [2
- June 2017, Paper 2, Q19(a) (4 marks): Electromagnetic radiation is incident on a negatively charged zinc plate. Electrons are emitted from the surface of the plate when a weak intensity ultraviolet
- June 2017, Paper 2, Q19(b) (3 marks): The maximum wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation incident on the surface of a metal which causes electrons to be emitted is 2.9 × 10−7 m. Calculate the m
- June 2017, Paper 2, Q19(c) (3 marks): Electromagnetic radiation of constant wavelength is incident on a metal plate. Photoelectrons are emitted from the metal plate. Fig. 19.1 shows an arrangement u
- June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q27(a) (1 mark): Explain what is meant by threshold frequency. [1]
- June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q27(b)(i) (1 mark): Use Einstein’s photoelectric equation to show φ = hf0 where h is the Planck constant. [1]
- June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q27(b)(ii) (1 mark): Plot the data point for C on Fig. 27 and draw the straight line of best fit. [1]
- June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q27(b)(iii) (2 marks): Use Fig. 27 to determine the experimental value for h. h = J s [2]
- June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q5(c)(ii) (2 marks): The green light falls on a negatively charged metal plate with a work function of 2.6 eV. Explain whether photoelectrons will be emitted. [2]
- June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q16 (1 mark): Photons of energy 4.8 × 10–19 J are incident on the surface of a clean metal plate of work function 3.2 × 10–19 J. What is the maximum speed of emitted electron
- June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q7(a) (6 marks): (a)* A gold leaf electroscope is used to demonstrate the photoelectric effect. A zinc plate is placed on top of the electroscope. The zinc plate is negatively c
- June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q7(b) (3 marks): In another experiment, electromagnetic radiation of frequency 9.60 × 1014 Hz falls on a negatively-charged metal surface with a work function of 3.2 eV. Calcula
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