Question

How would the graphs of Figure 38.3 look if classical physics provided the correct description of the photoelectric effect? Draw the graph and explain your reasoning. Include curves for both weak light and intense light

Short answer

Graph appears to have a more negative x-intercept.

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 graph would still be $∆V>0V$due to the fact that all electrons are being collected.

Also, more intense light would still give a larger current. But classical physics postulates a thermal cause for the photoelectric effect. If this were the case, more intense light would heat the electrons more, causing them to expel with more kinetic energy. More intense light would have a higher stopping voltage in this scenario.

Therefore, the graph appears to have a more negative x-intercept.