Of course!

Here are 20 one-mark questions based on the chapter "Dual

Nature of Radiation and Matter" from Class XII Physics (CBSE/NCERT).
These questions are designed to test basic concepts, formulas, and
definitions.

1 Mark Questions: Dual Nature of Radiation

and Matter
1. Define the term 'work function' of a metal.
2. What is the SI unit of the stopping potential in the photoelectric
experiment?
3. Who first proposed the concept of photons?
4. Name the physical quantity given by the slope of the graph
between stopping potential and frequency of incident radiation.
5. For a given frequency of light, the stopping potential in a
photoelectric experiment is V₀. What will be the new stopping
potential if the frequency is doubled?
6. Write the Einstein’s photoelectric equation.
7. What is the nature of the graph between the maximum kinetic
energy of photoelectrons and the frequency of incident radiation?
8. If the intensity of incident radiation is doubled, what happens to
the photoelectric current?
9. If the frequency of incident light is less than the threshold
frequency, what will be the value of the photoelectric current?
10. What is the rest mass of a photon?
11. Write the formula for the de Broglie wavelength associated with a
particle of mass 'm' moving with velocity 'v'.
12. Which property of a photon is constant when it travels through
different media? (Frequency or Wavelength?)
13. An electron and a proton are accelerated through the same
potential. Which one will have a higher de Broglie wavelength?
14. What is the value of the Planck’s constant? (Approximate value in
Js)
15. Define one electron volt (eV).
16. Name the experiment that established the wave nature of the
electron.
17. What happens to the maximum kinetic energy of emitted
photoelectrons when the wavelength of the incident light is
decreased?
18. The work function of a metal is 2 eV. What is its threshold
frequency?
19. A particle of mass 'm' has a de Broglie wavelength λ. If its
velocity is doubled, what will be its new de Broglie wavelength?
20. In the photoelectric effect, what is represented by the term
(1/2)mv_max²?
Answer Key (Hints)
1. The minimum energy required to remove an electron from the metal
surface to infinity.
2. Volt (V)
3. Albert Einstein
4. Planck's constant (h) divided by the charge of an electron (e), i.e., h/e.
5. It will be more than 2V₀ (Use Einstein's equation: eV₀ = hν - φ₀, then
for 2ν, eV' = 2hν - φ₀ = 2(hν - φ₀) + φ₀ = 2eV₀ + φ₀).
6. K_max = hν - φ₀ or (1/2)mv_max² = hν - hν₀
7. A straight line.
8. It doubles (assuming frequency > threshold frequency).
9. Zero.
[Link].
11.λ = h / (mv)
[Link].
[Link] electron (λ = h/√(2mqV), so λ ∝ 1/√m).
14.6.63 × 10⁻³⁴ Js
[Link] kinetic energy gained by an electron when accelerated through a
potential difference of 1 volt. (1 eV = 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ J)
[Link]-Germer experiment.
[Link] increases.
[Link] φ₀ = hν₀ => ν₀ = φ₀/h = (2 × 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹) / (6.63 × 10⁻³⁴) ≈ 4.8 ×
10¹⁴ Hz.
19.λ' = λ/2 (since λ ∝ 1/v).
[Link] maximum kinetic energy of the emitted photoelectrons.
Of course! Here are some 2-mark questions based on the CBSE Class XII
Physics chapter "Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter," formulated in the
typical style of CBSE exams.

2-Mark Questions: Dual Nature of Radiation

and Matter
1. State two characteristic properties of photons.
(Expected Answer:
 1. A photon is a quantum of electromagnetic energy. Its energy is given
by E = hν, where h is Planck's constant and ν is the frequency of
radiation.
2. The rest mass of a photon is zero.)
2. Define the terms: (i) Work function (ii) Stopping potential.
(Expected Answer:
(i) Work Function: The minimum energy required to eject an electron from
the surface of a metal without any kinetic energy.
(ii) Stopping Potential: The minimum negative (retarding) potential
applied to the anode for which the photoelectric current becomes zero.)

3. Write two important observations of the photoelectric effect that

can be explained by Einstein's photoelectric equation but not by wave
theory.
(Expected Answer:

1. Existence of Threshold Frequency: The photoelectric effect occurs

only when the incident light's frequency is greater than a certain
threshold frequency, irrespective of the light's intensity.
2. Instantaneous Emission: The emission of photoelectrons is
instantaneous, with no detectable time lag, even for very low
intensities of light.)
4. Plot a graph showing the variation of photoelectric current with
collector plate potential for two different frequencies (ν₁ > ν₂) of
incident radiation having the same intensity. What does the graph
illustrate about the stopping potential?
(Expected Answer:
(Student should draw the graph showing two curves with the same
saturation current but different stopping potentials, with V₀₁ > V₀₂ for ν₁ >
ν₂.)
The graph illustrates that the stopping potential depends on the frequency
of the incident light and is independent of its intensity. A higher frequency
results in a higher stopping potential.

5. An electron, an alpha particle, and a proton have the same kinetic

energy. Which of these particles has the shortest de Broglie
wavelength? Justify your answer.
(Expected Answer:
The de Broglie wavelength is given by λ = h / p, and kinetic energy K = p² /
2m. So, λ = h / √(2mK).
For the same kinetic energy (K), λ ∝ 1 / √m.
The alpha particle has the highest mass (m_α >> m_p > m_e). Therefore,
the alpha particle will have the shortest de Broglie wavelength.

6. A proton and an electron are accelerated through the same

potential. Which one has a greater de Broglie wavelength and why?
(Expected Answer:
When a charged particle is accelerated by a potential V, its kinetic energy K
= qV. The de Broglie wavelength is λ = h / √(2mqV).
For the same potential V, λ ∝ 1 / √(mq).
Since the product (m q) is much greater for the proton than for the electron,
the electron will have a greater de Broglie wavelength.

7. Write Einstein's photoelectric equation and state clearly the

meaning of the symbols used.
(Expected Answer:
Einstein's photoelectric equation is: K_max = hν - φ₀
where,

 K_max = Maximum kinetic energy of the emitted photoelectron.

 h = Planck's constant.
 ν = Frequency of the incident photon.
 φ₀ = Work function of the metal.
8. Why do photoelectrons not come out with the same energy? Give a
reason.
(Expected Answer:
Photoelectrons do not come out with the same energy because they are
present at different depths inside the metal. The electrons that are deeper
lose more kinetic energy in collisions with other atoms on their way out.
Electrons also require different amounts of energy to break free from
different atomic layers, leading to a range of kinetic energies.

9. Show graphically how the stopping potential for a given

photosensitive surface varies with the frequency of the incident
radiation. What does the slope of this graph represent?
(Expected Answer:
(Student should draw the V₀ vs ν graph, which is a straight line with a
positive slope, intersecting the ν-axis at the threshold frequency ν₀.)
The slope of this graph is (h/e), which is the ratio of Planck's constant to the
charge of an electron.

10. A photon and an electron have the same de Broglie wavelength.

Which one has more kinetic energy? Explain.
(Expected Answer:
For the same de Broglie wavelength, a photon has more kinetic energy.

 For a photon: E_photon = pc = hc/λ.

 For an electron (non-relativistic): K_electron = p²/2m = h²/(2mλ²).
For macroscopic values of λ, (hc/λ) >> h²/(2mλ²), hence the photon
has significantly higher energy.

Of course! Here are some 3-mark questions from the chapter "Dual Nature
of Radiation and Matter" for Class XII Physics (CBSE/NCERT), formatted as
they would typically appear in an exam.

These questions are designed to test conceptual understanding, application

of formulas, and graphical interpretation.
3 Mark Questions: Dual Nature of Radiation
and Matter
Question 1:
(a) Define the terms: (i) work function, (ii) stopping potential.
(b) How does the stopping potential for a given photosensitive surface vary
with the frequency of the incident radiation? Justify your answer.

Question 2:
Draw a labeled graph showing the variation of photoelectric current with the
intensity of incident radiation. On the same graph, show the variation for
light of higher frequency but the same intensity. Explain your answer.

Question 3:
(a) Write Einstein's photoelectric equation and state the meaning of each
symbol.
(b) The maximum kinetic energy of electrons emitted from a certain metal is
1.6 x 10^-19 J when the frequency of the incident radiation is 8.0 x
10^14 Hz. Calculate the threshold frequency for this metal. (Planck's
constant, h = 6.63 x 10^-34 J s)

Question 4:
Explain, with the help of a circuit diagram, how you can demonstrate the
phenomenon of the photoelectric effect. Describe the function of each
component in your setup.

Question 5:
(a) For a photosensitive material, why is there a threshold frequency below
which no photoelectrons are emitted, regardless of the intensity of light?
(b) Explain why the photoelectric current is independent of frequency but
depends on the intensity of incident light.

Question 6:
A photon and an electron have the same de Broglie wavelength. Which one
has greater kinetic energy? Explain your reasoning. (Assume the electron is
non-relativistic).

Question 7:
Calculate the de Broglie wavelength associated with an electron accelerated
through a potential difference of 100 V. (Given: mass of electron m_e = 9.1
x 10^-31 kg, charge e = 1.6 x 10^-19 C, Planck's constant h = 6.63 x
10^-34 J s)

Question 8:
On the basis of de Broglie's hypothesis, show that the circumference of the
electron in the nth orbit of hydrogen atom is equal to n times its de Broglie
wavelength. This establishes the wave nature of electrons in atoms.
Question 9:
The maximum kinetic energy of photoelectrons emitted from a surface is 2
eV for a light of wavelength 400 nm and 1 eV for a light of wavelength 500
nm. Using this data, find the value of Planck's constant.

Question 10:
(a) What is meant by the wave nature of matter?
(b) Why is the wave nature of a moving cricket ball not observable in
everyday life?
(c) An electron and a proton are moving with the same speed. Which one has
a longer de Broglie wavelength and why?

Answer Key (Brief Outline for 3-mark

answers):
1. (a) (i) Minimum energy required to eject an electron from a metal
surface. (ii) The minimum negative potential applied to the anode to
stop the most energetic photoelectrons.
(b) Increases linearly. Justification from eV_s = hν - φ.

2. Graph: A straight line from origin showing current ∝ intensity. The

second line for higher frequency will have the same slope (same
current for same intensity) but a higher stopping potential on the
voltage axis.

3. (a) K_max = hν - φ; Define K_max, h, ν, φ.

(b) Use K_max = h(ν - ν_0). Answer: ν_0 ≈ 5.6 x 10^14 Hz.

4. Diagram: Evacuated glass tube, two electrodes (emitter & collector),

battery, microammeter.
Explanation: Light on cathode emits electrons (photocurrent
measured by ammeter), varying potential to find stopping potential.

5. (a) Energy is quantized. A single photon's energy (hν) must be

sufficient to overcome the work function (φ).
(b) One photon ejects one electron (if ν > ν_0). More intensity =
more photons = more electrons = higher current.

6. Electron has greater K.E. Derive from λ = h/p and K = p²/2m. For
the same λ, p is the same. Since m_e << m_photon, K_e >> K_photon.

7. Formula: λ = h / √(2meV). Substitute values. Answer: λ ≈ 1.23 Å.

8. Derivation: de Broglie wavelength λ = h/p. For a stationary orbit,

mvr = nħ. Substitute p = mv to get 2πr = nλ.

9. Use Einstein's equation for both cases and solve the two equations.
h(1/λ1 - 1/λ2) = (K1 - K2)e. Answer: h ≈ 6.4 x 10^-34 J s.
 10.(a) All moving material particles exhibit wave-like properties.
(b) Mass is large, so de Broglie wavelength (λ = h/p) is extremely
small and undetectable.
(c) λ = h/p. Same speed, but electron has smaller mass, hence
smaller momentum. Therefore, electron has a longer wavelength.

Of course! Here are 10 different 4-mark questions based on the CBSE Class
XII Physics chapter "Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter," formulated to
match the pattern and depth of NCERT and CBSE board exams.

These questions require short, descriptive answers and involve definitions,

derivations, graph interpretations, and numerical problems.

4 Mark Questions on Dual Nature of Radiation

and Matter
1. Define the terms: (i) Work function, (ii) Stopping potential, and
(iii) Threshold frequency. Establish Einstein’s photoelectric equation
and explain how it is used to calculate the Planck's constant.

(This question tests definition and derivation skills. The student needs to
define the three terms, derive the equation K_max = hν - φ₀, and explain
the graphical method to find 'h' from the stopping potential vs.
frequency graph.)

2. (a) Draw a graph showing the variation of photoelectric current

with the intensity of incident radiation on a given photosensitive
surface.
(b) The work function of caesium is 2.14 eV. Find the (i) threshold
frequency and (ii) stopping potential for light of wavelength 500 nm,
incident on the caesium surface.

(This question tests graphical understanding and numerical application. Part

(a) requires a labeled graph. Part (b) involves using the formulas φ₀ = hν₀
and eV₀ = hc/λ - φ₀.)

3. (a) State two features of the photoelectric effect which cannot be

explained by the wave theory of light.
(b) Describe Hertz's experiment of photoelectric emission. Explain
the observations of this experiment using the concept of photons.

(This question tests conceptual understanding and historical context. Part

(a) requires stating the instantaneous nature and independence of K.E. from
intensity. Part (b) needs a brief description of the experiment and its photon-
based explanation.)

4. Sketch the graph showing the variation of stopping potential (V₀)

with the frequency (ν) of the incident radiation for a given
photosensitive material.
(i) What does the slope of this graph represent?
(ii) What does the intercept on the potential axis represent?
(iii) How can the value of Planck's constant be determined from this
graph?

(This question tests graph interpretation. The student must draw the correct
straight-line graph and explain the physical significance of its slope and
intercepts.)

5. (a) Explain with reason how the maximum kinetic energy of

photoelectrons changes when the wavelength of the incident
radiation is decreased.
(b) For photoelectric effect in a metal, the graph between the
stopping potential (V₀) and frequency (ν) of the incident radiation is
shown to be a straight line. If the work function of the metal is 4.2
eV, calculate from the graph the value of Planck’s constant.
[Assume a graph is provided with a slope of 4.3 x 10⁻¹⁵ Vs and V₀ intercept
at 1.0 V.]

(This question tests cause-effect reasoning and numerical extraction from a

graph. Part (a) is conceptual. Part (b) requires using the slope h/e to find
'h'.)

6. (a) Why is a photo-emissive cell also called an electric eye? Give

one of its practical applications.
(b) Calculate the de Broglie wavelength associated with an electron
accelerated through a potential difference of 100 Volts.

(This question tests application knowledge and numerical skill. Part (a) is
short. Part (b) requires using the formula λ = h / √(2meV).)

7. (a) State de Broglie's hypothesis and write the expression for the
de Broglie wavelength associated with a charged particle accelerated
through a potential difference V.
(b) Explain with a reason, whether the de Broglie wavelength of an
electron is greater or smaller than that of a proton, when both are
accelerated through the same potential difference.

(This question tests the understanding of matter waves and comparative

analysis. Part (a) is direct. Part (b) requires reasoning based on the mass
term in the de Broglie formula.)

8. (a) Describe Davisson and Germer's experiment. What was its

conclusion?
(b) A proton and an alpha particle are accelerated through the same
potential. Find the ratio of their de Broglie wavelengths. (Mass of
alpha particle = 4 x mass of proton, charge of alpha particle = 2 x
charge of proton)
(This question tests experimental knowledge and numerical comparison.
Part (a) requires a brief description of the experiment and its confirmation
of wave nature. Part (b) is a ratio calculation using λ ∝ 1/√(mq).)

9. (a) Why is the wave nature of matter not apparent in our daily
observations?
(b) A particle of mass 'm' and charge 'q' is accelerated from rest
through a potential 'V'. Write the expression for its de Broglie
wavelength.
(c) An electron and a photon have the same de Broglie wavelength.
Which has greater kinetic energy? Justify your answer.

(This question tests conceptual depth. Part (a) is about the small magnitude
of 'λ' for macroscopic objects. Part (b) is formula-based. Part (c) requires a
comparative derivation of K.E. for a photon and an electron with the same
λ.)

10. (a) Explain the effect on the photoelectric current when:

(i) the frequency of incident radiation is increased.
(ii) the intensity of incident radiation is decreased.
(b) If the frequency of the incident radiation is greater than the
threshold frequency but the intensity is reduced to one-fourth of its
original value, how will the following change?
(i) Photoelectric current
(ii) Maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons

(This question tests cause-effect analysis. Part (a) is general. Part (b) is a
specific scenario requiring reasoning that current depends on intensity, but
K.E. depends only on frequency.)

Tips for Answering:

 For definition-based questions, be precise and use key terms.

 For derivations, ensure each step is logically connected.
 For numerical problems, always write the formula first, substitute
values with units, and box the final answer.
 For graphs, label the axes correctly and provide a clear title or
caption.
Of course! Here are 5-mark questions from the CBSE Class XII Physics
chapter "Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter," designed to test in-depth
understanding and application of concepts as per the NCERT textbook.

5-Mark Questions: Dual Nature of Radiation

and Matter
Question 1:
(a) State de Broglie's hypothesis and write the expression for the de Broglie
wavelength of a particle. Show that the wavelength of an electron
1.227
accelerated through a potential difference of V volts is given by λ= nm.
√V
(b) Why is the wave nature of matter not apparent in our daily observations?
Explain.

Question 2:
(a) Draw a labeled graph showing the variation of photoelectric current with
the intensity of incident radiation. On the same graph, sketch the curves for
two different frequencies ν 1 and \nu_2 ) ( ν 1> ν 2) which exceed the threshold
frequency.
(b) Explain, with reason, how the stopping potential for a given
photosensitive surface would change if:
(i) the intensity of incident radiation is decreased.
(ii) the wavelength of the incident radiation is increased.

Question 3:
Describe Davisson and Germer's experiment. Explain how this experiment
provides a conclusive proof of the wave nature of electrons. Draw a
schematic diagram of the experimental setup and mention the key
observation (graph of intensity vs scattering angle) that confirmed de
Broglie's hypothesis.

Question 4:
(a) Using Einstein's photoelectric equation, define the terms: (i) Stopping
Potential, and (ii) Cut-off or Threshold Frequency. Establish the relationship
between them.
(b) A monochromatic light source of frequency ν is incident on a metallic
surface of work function ϕ 0. How will the following change if the frequency
of the light is doubled?
(i) Kinetic energy of the photoelectrons.
(ii) Photoelectric current.
Justify your answer.

Question 5:
(a) Explain, with the help of a circuit diagram, the experimental
arrangement for studying the photoelectric effect. Clearly show the polarity
of the applied voltage.
(b) State the three salient features observed in the experiment which can be
explained by Einstein's photoelectric equation, but not by the wave theory of
light.

Question 6:
(a) Derive an expression for the de Broglie wavelength of an electron moving
under a potential difference V.
(b) Calculate the de Broglie wavelength associated with (i) an electron
accelerated by 100 V, and (ii) a bullet of mass 0.04 kg moving with a speed
of 1000 m/s. Comment on the significance of the two results.
Question 7:
(a) What is meant by the 'work function' of a metal? How does it relate to the
threshold frequency?
(b) Photons of energy 5 eV are incident on a metal surface. They eject
electrons with a maximum kinetic energy of 2 eV. What would be the
maximum kinetic energy of the ejected electrons if photons of energy 6 eV
are incident on the same metal surface? Show your calculations.

Expected Key Points for Evaluation (Marking

Scheme Guideline)
For a 5-mark question, the answer is typically evaluated as follows:

 1 mark for a correct definition, formula, or stating a basic principle.

 1 mark for a correctly drawn and labeled diagram (if applicable).
 2 marks for a clear, step-by-step derivation or explanation of the
concept.
 1 mark for the final conclusion, application, or justification.
For example, for Question 1:

 (a) [3 marks]: 1 mark for stating the hypothesis and formula λ=h / p.
2 marks for the correct derivation starting from kinetic energy
1 2 h
m v =e V and arriving at λ= and substituting the values of h,
2 √2 m e V
m, and e to get the numerical form.
 (b) [2 marks]: 1 mark for stating that the de Broglie wavelength is
very small for macroscopic objects. 1 mark for a proper explanation
(e.g., comparing the wavelength of a bullet from part (b) of Q6 to the
size of everyday objects, showing it is undetectable).
These questions require students to combine conceptual knowledge with
mathematical derivation and graphical analysis, which is the standard for 5-
mark questions in the CBSE board exams.