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Question
The threshold wavelength of a metal is λ0. Light of wavelength slightly less than λ0 is incident on an insulated plate made of this metal. It is found that photoelectrons are emitted for some time and after that the emission stops. Explain.
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Solution
When light of wavelength less than λ0 is incident on the metal surface, the free electrons of the metal will gain energy and come out of the metal surface. As the metal plate is insulated (it is not connected with the battery), the free electrons of the metal will not be replaced by the other electrons. Hence, photoelectron emission will stop after some time.
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