In the photoelectric effect, the *stopping potential* $V_0$ varies with the frequency of incident light as
- quadratic
- linear, with slope $h/e$
- inversely proportional
- linear, with slope $\phi/e$
Show answer and solution
Correct answer: B. linear, with slope $h/e$
$eV_0 = h\nu - \phi$.
So $V_0 = (h/e)\nu - \phi/e$ is a straight line in $V_0$ vs $\nu$, slope $h/e$ — the same for all metals.
The y-intercept depends on $\phi$, distinguishing the metals.