Arrange the following steps for the photoelectric effect.
A. Electron emission takes place from the metal surface.
B. Absorption of energy from the incident radiation takes place.
C. Light falls on a metal surface.
D. Electrons near the surface gain enough energy to overcome the attraction of the positive ions in the metal surface.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → C, B, D, A
In the photoelectric effect an electron can leave the metal only after it has received energy from the light that is at least equal to the work function.
(C) Light falls on a metal surface. — the process starts with the incident radiation.
(B) Absorption of energy from the incident radiation takes place. — an electron takes in the energy \( h\nu \) of one photon.
(D) Electrons near the surface gain enough energy to overcome the attraction of the positive ions in the metal surface.
(A) Electron emission takes place from the metal surface.
So the correct order is C, B, D, A.
NCERT (2026-27):
Hertz’s Observations – …
