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A beam of light falls on a metal surface such that photo-electrons are generated. If power of the light source starts to decrease linearly with time $t$, then variation of the photocurrent $I$ and magnitude of the stopping potential $|V|$ with time is best represented by :

This question was previously asked in
NEET UG Re-Exam 2026 Question Paper (21-Jun-2026)
The correct answer is

Analyzing Photocurrent and Stopping Potential Variation

This question concerns the photoelectric effect, specifically how photocurrent and stopping potential change over time when the light source's power decreases linearly.

Photocurrent Behavior

  • The photocurrent ($I$) generated in the photoelectric effect is directly proportional to the rate at which photons strike the metal surface.
  • This rate is, in turn, proportional to the intensity of the incident light.
  • Since intensity is related to the power ($P$) of the light source (assuming constant frequency), the photocurrent is proportional to the power: $I \propto P$.
  • The problem states that the power of the light source decreases linearly with time ($t$). Mathematically, $P(t) \propto (P_0 - kt)$, where $k$ is a positive constant.
  • Therefore, the photocurrent ($I$) must also decrease linearly with time. The graph of $I$ versus $t$ should be a straight line with a negative slope.

Stopping Potential Behavior

  • The stopping potential ($|V|$) is the minimum reverse potential needed to stop the most energetic photo-electrons.
  • According to Einstein's photoelectric equation, the maximum kinetic energy ($K_{max}$) of emitted electrons is given by $K_{max} = h\nu - \phi$, where $h$ is Planck's constant, $\nu$ is the frequency of incident light, and $\phi$ is the work function of the metal.
  • The stopping potential is related to this maximum kinetic energy by $eV_s = K_{max}$, so $eV_s = h\nu - \phi$.
  • This means the stopping potential depends only on the light's frequency ($\nu$) and the metal's work function ($\phi$).
  • The problem specifies that the light source's power decreases, but it does not state any change in the light's frequency or the properties of the metal (work function).
  • Assuming the frequency ($\nu$) remains constant, the stopping potential ($|V|$) will also remain constant over time, as long as photo-emission occurs.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis:

  • Photocurrent ($I$) should decrease linearly with time.
  • Stopping Potential ($|V|$) should remain constant with time.

The correct graph representing these variations shows a linearly decreasing curve for photocurrent ($I$) and a constant horizontal line for the stopping potential ($|V|$).

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