Choose the correct statement regarding the photoelectric effect ?

Options

A. Photocurrent reverses its direction when the applied voltage is reduced further below the stopping potential
B. The photocurrent varies linearly with the applied voltage
C. The stopping potential remains unaffected by the intensity of the incident light.
D. Saturation currect remains unaffected by the intensity of incident light.

Answer

To solve the question regarding the photoelectric effect, we need to analyze the statements provided and determine which one is correct based on the principles of the photoelectric effect.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Photoelectric Effect**:
- The photoelectric effect occurs when light (photons) strikes a metal surface and causes the ejection of electrons from that surface. The energy of the photons is given by the equation \( E = h \nu \), where \( h \) is Planck's constant and \( \nu \) is the frequency of the incident light.

2. **Analyzing the Statements**:
- **Statement 1**: "Photocurrent reverses its direction when the applied voltage is reduced further below the stopping potential."
- This statement is **incorrect**. The photocurrent does not reverse direction; it stops when the applied voltage reaches the stopping potential.

- **Statement 2**: "The photocurrent varies linearly with the applied voltage."
- This statement is also **incorrect**. The photocurrent is dependent on the number of emitted electrons, which is determined by the intensity of the light, not the applied voltage.

- **Statement 3**: "The stopping potential remains unaffected by the intensity of the incident light."
- This statement is **correct**. The stopping potential depends only on the energy of the incident photons (frequency) and not on the intensity of the light.

- **Statement 4**: "Saturation current remains unaffected by the intensity of the incident light."
- This statement is **incorrect**. The saturation current increases with the intensity of the light because more photons lead to more emitted electrons.

3. **Conclusion**:
- The only correct statement regarding the photoelectric effect is **Statement 3**: "The stopping potential remains unaffected by the intensity of the incident light."