Threshold frequency and wavelength (hν₀ = φ; ν₀ = φ/h; λ_max = hc/φ)
jee-mainjee-advancedneet-ug
hν₀ = φ; ν₀ = φ/h; λ_max = hc/φ
What each symbol means
| Symbol | What it stands for |
|---|---|
| φ | Work function (J or eV) |
| h,c | Planck constant, speed of light |
| ν₀ | Threshold frequency — minimum frequency for photoemission (Hz) |
| λ_max | Maximum wavelength that can still eject electrons (m or nm) |
When to use this
For a given metal surface, φ is fixed; radiation with ν < ν₀ (or λ > λ_max) cannot eject photoelectrons regardless of intensity.