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Determining Planck's Constant Using LEDs

The experiment aimed to determine Planck's constant by measuring the threshold voltage of LEDs of varying wavelengths. By plotting the threshold voltage against the inverse of the wavelength, the gradient was used to calculate Planck's constant, resulting in a value of 3.62×10^−34, which is lower than the accepted value of 6.63×10^−34. Potential sources of error include uncertainties in measuring the threshold voltage and variations in the actual wavelengths of the LEDs.

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22 views4 pages

Determining Planck's Constant Using LEDs

The experiment aimed to determine Planck's constant by measuring the threshold voltage of LEDs of varying wavelengths. By plotting the threshold voltage against the inverse of the wavelength, the gradient was used to calculate Planck's constant, resulting in a value of 3.62×10^−34, which is lower than the accepted value of 6.63×10^−34. Potential sources of error include uncertainties in measuring the threshold voltage and variations in the actual wavelengths of the LEDs.

Uploaded by

arsham.rocky21
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Determining Planck’s Constant Using LEDs

1. Aim

To determine Planck’s constant () by measuring the threshold voltage of LEDs of different


wavelengths.

2. Hypothesis

The energy of emitted photons is given by:

ℎ𝑐
𝑉=
𝑒𝜆

3. Variables

• Independent Variable: Wavelength (𝜆 ) of the LED light.


• Dependent Variable: Threshold voltage (𝑉 ).
• Control Variables:
o Same circuit components (same resistor, power supply).
o Measuring voltage and current consistently.
o Using the same method to determine threshold voltage.

4. Diagram
5. Equipment

• LEDs of different colours


• Voltmeter
• Ammeter
• Resistor (to limit current)
• Power supply
• Connecting wires

5.5 Risk Assessment

Hazard Risk Precaution


Overheating Resistor heating at high Use a low voltage from the
current power supply
Short circuit Explosion Keep wires tidy

6. Method

1. Set up the circuit with an LED, resistor, ammeter, and voltmeter as shown in the
diagram.
2. Gradually increase the voltage until the LED just begins to emit light and current is
detected by the ammeter.
3. Record the threshold voltage (V) at this point.
4. Find the wavelength (𝜆 ) of each LED (from packaging or online).
5. Repeat for a range of LEDs and record the values in a table.
1
6. Convert wavelengths into meters and calculate
𝜆
1
7. Plot a graph of threshold voltage (V) against .
𝜆
8. Determine the gradient of the best-fit line with big triangle
9. Calculate Planck’s constant using:
𝑒
ℎ = 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 ⋅
𝑐
7. Table

LED Colour wavelength/m pd1/V pd2/V pd3/V mean PD/V


LED Y 5.80*10^(-7) 2.275 2.153 2.165 2.162
LED G 5.30*10^(-7) 2.417 2.502 2.342 2.416
LED R 6.50*10^(-7) 1.793 1.873 1.885 1.822
LED B 4.70*10^(-7) 2.756 2.729 2.725 2.751

8. Graph – Gradient

threshold Voltage (Y-axis) vs. 1/λ (X-axis)

2.5

y = 0.6169x + 0.4244
2 R² = 0.9982

1.5

0.5

0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3

1/λ (m^(-1))*10^6

Gradient=0.6169*10^6

Conclusion

The experiment aimed to determine Planck’s constant (h) using LEDs of different
wavelengths. By measuring the threshold voltage for each LED and plotting a graph of
threshold voltage (V) vs. 1/λ(m^−1), we found the gradient of the best-fit line. Using the
equation:

𝑒
ℎ = 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 ⋅
𝑐
we calculated Planck’s constant as 3.62×10^−34. This is lower than the accepted
value of 6.63×10^−34, indicating some degree of experimental error.

Analysis

Several factors could have contributed to the deviation from the expected value:

Uncertainties in Measuring Threshold Voltage

The LEDs may not have a sharply defined threshold voltage, making it difficult to
determine the exact point at which current starts flowing.
Small variations in readings across different trials introduce uncertainty.
Assumed Wavelengths
The wavelengths used in calculations were standard values for each LED colour,
but actual LEDs may emit slightly different wavelengths due to variations in
manufacturing.

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