SSC CGL

mediumQ. No. 14808-what-is-the-phenomenon-when-light-falls-on-a-metal-surface-and-electrons-are-emitted

What is the phenomenon when light falls on a metal surface and electrons are emitted?

Last Updated: 25 Jun 2026

What is the phenomenon when light falls on a metal surface and electrons are emitted? This question tests a core idea from school-level and competitive-examination physics. The most useful approach is to identify the physical quantity, phenomenon, law, or device named in the stem and connect it with its standard definition. Here, the relevant answer is “Photoelectric effect.” A sound solution relies on the governing concept rather than a memorised option letter, because option order may change in another paper. Physics explains measurable natural events through quantities, units, observations, mathematical relations, and experimentally verified laws. While reading a question, first note whether it asks for a definition, SI unit, formula, direction, cause, effect, or practical use.

AThermionic emission

BPhotoelectric effect

CCompton effect

DZeeman effect

Correct Answer: Photoelectric effectYour Answer: B

Explanation

— the scientifically appropriate response is Photoelectric effect. Option-wise review: Photoelectric effect is correct under the condition given in the stem. Thermionic emission is incorrect because it describes a different quantity or phenomenon and does not meet the stated condition. Compton effect is also incorrect; although it may be a valid physics term, its definition or application is not the one asked here. Zeeman effect is incorrect because it fails the governing relation or characteristic relevant to this case. Identify the chapter, recall the exact definition or equation, check the unit or direction if applicable, and then eliminate choices that contradict it. Therefore, option B, Photoelectric effect, is factually and logically consistent with the question. The photoelectric effect occurs when light of sufficient frequency falls on a metal releasing electrons.

Important Notes

Read the complete stem before looking at the options. Identify whether the demand is a definition, unit, formula, direction, cause, effect, image characteristic, or device principle. In this record, the confirmed answer is Photoelectric effect.
Learn each concept as a five-part card: definition; common symbol; SI unit; principal equation; and one real-life application. This works for mechanics, heat, optics, sound, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics.
Do not interchange closely related terms: mass and weight; distance and displacement; speed and velocity; heat and temperature; reflection and refraction; real and virtual image; current and potential difference; power and energy. Such pairs generate common SSC distractors.
Eliminate Thermionic emission, Compton effect, Zeeman effect here because none fulfils the exact requirement of the stem. The final answer and correct-index field must point to option B.

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FAQ

SSC CGL Physics FAQs

Common questions and clear answers for this topic.

How many physics questions usually appear in the SSC CGL exam?

Physics typically makes up a small portion of the General Science questions, usually focused on concepts rather than numerical problems.

Which physics topics are most important for SSC CGL?

Basic mechanics, heat, sound and light, and electricity and magnetism are the areas that come up most consistently across previous papers.

Do I need to solve numerical problems for SSC CGL physics?

Rarely. Most questions are conceptual and test everyday understanding rather than calculation skills.

Is NCERT physics enough for SSC CGL preparation?

NCERT textbooks from classes 9 and 10 build a strong enough conceptual base for most of what SSC CGL asks.

How can I make physics concepts easier to remember for SSC CGL?

Connecting concepts to everyday observations, like why a thermos keeps tea warm, makes them far easier to recall than memorizing definitions.

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