Question

How would the graph of Figure 38.2 look if classical physics provided the correct description of the photoelectric effect? Draw the graph and explain your reasoning. Assume that the light intensity remains constant as its frequency and wavelength are varied.

Short answer

Graph would be a horizontal Line starting from f = 0 Hz.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1.  It is given that we are assuming that classical physics provided the correct description of the photoelectric effect

We need to draw the graph and explain the reason for that type of graph.

Step 2. Plotting the graph.

The graph will look like :

Step 3. Reason for this type of graph.

The photoelectric current does not depend on the frequency of light, as per classical physics.

As the frequency is varied, the photoelectric current should remain constant with no threshold if the light intensity remains constant (same energy per second falling on the metal).

Therefore the Graph would be a horizontal Line starting from f = 0 Hz.