A small metal plate (work function $=2 \mathrm{eV}$ ) is placed at a distance of $2 \mathrm{~m}$ from a monochromatic light source of wavelength $4.8 \times 10^{-7} \mathrm{~m}$ and power 1.0 watt. The light falls normally on the plate. The number of photons striking the metal plate per second per unit area will be
A.$4.82\times {{10}^{12}}$
B.$4.82\times {{10}^{14}}$
C.$4.82\times {{10}^{16}}$
D.$4.82\times {{10}^{18}}$
Answer
298.5k+ views
Hint: The energy carried by a single photon is photon energy. The amount of energy is directly proportional to the electromagnetic frequency of the photon and is thus inversely proportional to the wavelength, equivalently. The greater the frequency of the photon, the higher its energy is. A photon is an EM-radiation quantum. Its energy is given by $E=h f=\dfrac{h c}{\lambda}($ and is related to the radiation frequency f and wavelength λ
Formula used: $E=hf=\dfrac{hc}{\lambda }$ (energy of a photon)
Complete step-by-step solution
Photoelectric effect, the phenomenon in which when electromagnetic radiation is absorbed, electrically charged particles are released from or within a material. When light falls on it the effect is often defined as the ejection of electrons from a metal plate. In the form of energy and its provision by
$E=h f=\dfrac{h c}{\lambda}$
Given in the question
Power of source $\mathrm{P}=1.0$ watt
Distance of metal plate from source $\mathrm{r}=2 \mathrm{~m}$
Thus, intensity of incident radiation at metal plate $\mathrm{I}=\dfrac{\mathrm{P}}{4 \pi \mathrm{r}^{2}}$
$\therefore \mathrm{I}=\dfrac{1.0}{4 \pi(2)^{2}}=0.0199 \mathrm{Wm}^{-2}$
Wavelength of source of light $\lambda=4.8 \times 10^{-7} \mathrm{~m}$
Thus, energy of incident photon $\mathrm{E}=\dfrac{\mathrm{hc}}{\lambda}$
$\therefore \text{E}=\dfrac{\left( 6.626\times {{10}^{-34}} \right)\left( 3\times {{10}^{8}} \right)}{4.8\times {{10}^{-7}}}$
$\Rightarrow 4.14\times {{10}^{-19}}~\text{J}$
Number of photons striking per second per unit area $\mathrm{N}=\dfrac{\mathrm{I}}{\mathrm{E}}$
$\text{N}=\dfrac{0.0199}{4.14\times {{10}^{-19}}}$
$\Rightarrow \mathrm{N}=\dfrac{0.0199}{4.14 \times 10^{-19}}=4.82 \times 10^{16}$ photons per second per unit area.
\[\therefore \] The number of photons striking the metal plate per second per unit area will be $\Rightarrow \mathrm{N}=\dfrac{0.0199}{4.14 \times 10^{-19}}=4.82 \times 10^{16}$
Hence the correct option is (c).
Note: Photoelectric effect, the phenomenon in which when electromagnetic radiation is absorbed, electrically charged particles are released from or within a material. When light falls on it the effect is often defined as the ejection of electrons from a metal plate. When electromagnetic radiation, such as light, hits a material, the photoelectric effect is the emission of electrons. In this manner, electrons emitted are called photoelectrons.
Formula used: $E=hf=\dfrac{hc}{\lambda }$ (energy of a photon)
Complete step-by-step solution
Photoelectric effect, the phenomenon in which when electromagnetic radiation is absorbed, electrically charged particles are released from or within a material. When light falls on it the effect is often defined as the ejection of electrons from a metal plate. In the form of energy and its provision by
$E=h f=\dfrac{h c}{\lambda}$
Given in the question
Power of source $\mathrm{P}=1.0$ watt
Distance of metal plate from source $\mathrm{r}=2 \mathrm{~m}$
Thus, intensity of incident radiation at metal plate $\mathrm{I}=\dfrac{\mathrm{P}}{4 \pi \mathrm{r}^{2}}$
$\therefore \mathrm{I}=\dfrac{1.0}{4 \pi(2)^{2}}=0.0199 \mathrm{Wm}^{-2}$
Wavelength of source of light $\lambda=4.8 \times 10^{-7} \mathrm{~m}$
Thus, energy of incident photon $\mathrm{E}=\dfrac{\mathrm{hc}}{\lambda}$
$\therefore \text{E}=\dfrac{\left( 6.626\times {{10}^{-34}} \right)\left( 3\times {{10}^{8}} \right)}{4.8\times {{10}^{-7}}}$
$\Rightarrow 4.14\times {{10}^{-19}}~\text{J}$
Number of photons striking per second per unit area $\mathrm{N}=\dfrac{\mathrm{I}}{\mathrm{E}}$
$\text{N}=\dfrac{0.0199}{4.14\times {{10}^{-19}}}$
$\Rightarrow \mathrm{N}=\dfrac{0.0199}{4.14 \times 10^{-19}}=4.82 \times 10^{16}$ photons per second per unit area.
\[\therefore \] The number of photons striking the metal plate per second per unit area will be $\Rightarrow \mathrm{N}=\dfrac{0.0199}{4.14 \times 10^{-19}}=4.82 \times 10^{16}$
Hence the correct option is (c).
Note: Photoelectric effect, the phenomenon in which when electromagnetic radiation is absorbed, electrically charged particles are released from or within a material. When light falls on it the effect is often defined as the ejection of electrons from a metal plate. When electromagnetic radiation, such as light, hits a material, the photoelectric effect is the emission of electrons. In this manner, electrons emitted are called photoelectrons.
Recently Updated Pages
If the magnetizing field on a ferromagnetic material class 12 physics JEE_Main

A point charge is placed at the corner of a cube The class 12 physics JEE_Main

What changes occur if the monochromatic light used class 12 physics JEE_Main

The unit of specific conductance is A Ohm B Ohmmetre class 12 physics JEE_Main

Which lens is used in magnifying glass A Concave lens class 12 physics JEE_Main

Sir C V Raman won the Nobel Prize in which year A 1928 class 12 physics JEE_Main

Trending doubts
JEE Main 2026: Exam Dates, Session 2 Updates, City Slip, Admit Card & Latest News

Understanding the Electric Field of a Uniformly Charged Ring

Understanding Atomic Structure for Beginners

Electron Gain Enthalpy and Electron Affinity Explained

Derivation of Equation of Trajectory Explained for Students

How to Convert a Galvanometer into an Ammeter or Voltmeter

Other Pages
CBSE Class 12 Physics Question Paper 2026: Download SET-wise PDF with Answer Key & Analysis

JEE Advanced Percentile vs Marks 2026: JEE Main Cutoff, AIR & IIT Admission Guide

JEE Advanced 2026 Notification Out with Exam Date, Registration (Extended), Syllabus and More

What Are Current and Potential Difference in Electricity?

Understanding Uniform Acceleration in Physics

JEE Advanced Weightage Chapter Wise 2026 for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics

