Work function in photoelectric effect

In summary, the photoelectric work function is the minimum energy required to eject an electron from a surface. However, according to the video, if the metal is provided with this amount of energy, the electrons will not be ejected but instead vibrate and return to their positions. This is questionable as no radiation from such vibration has been detected. Additionally, the concept of "image charge" refutes the belief that the electrons will stay just outside the metal surface when given the work function energy.
  • #1
gracy
2,486
83
The minimum energy required to eject an electron from the surface is called the photoelectric work function.To be precise to eject means force or throw (something) out
So energy equal to work function would surely eject an electron from metal surface
but according to the video below

At time 56:37 to 56:44 ,57:23-57:30 and at time 35 :26
it seems if metal is provided with energy equal to work function electrons would not come out from metal surface rather they will vibrate and come back to their positions.I think electrons should stand still just outside the metal surface when energy equal to work function is given?
Is it right?
 
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  • #2
gracy said:
it seems if metal is provided with energy equal to work function electrons would not come out from metal surface rather they will vibrate and come back to their positions.

This is rather dubious. Why would it "vibrate"? We would have detected the radiation from such a vibration.

I think electrons should stand still just outside the metal surface when energy equal to work function is given?
Is it right?

No, that is not right. Do you not know about "image charge"?

Zz.
 
  • #3
ZapperZ said:
Do you not know about "image charge"?
No.I don't know!
 

1. What is the work function in the photoelectric effect?

The work function in the photoelectric effect is the minimum amount of energy required to remove an electron from the surface of a material. It is also known as the threshold energy or the binding energy.

2. How does the work function affect the photoelectric effect?

The work function directly affects the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons in the photoelectric effect. If the energy of the incident photons is greater than the work function, the excess energy is converted into the kinetic energy of the electrons. If the energy of the incident photons is less than the work function, no electrons will be emitted.

3. What factors determine the value of the work function?

The value of the work function is determined by the type of material and its surface properties. Metals typically have lower work functions compared to non-metals. The work function can also vary with the intensity of the incident light and the temperature of the material.

4. How is the work function measured?

The work function can be measured experimentally by using a setup known as the Kelvin probe. This device measures the difference in electrical potential between a sample surface and a reference electrode, which is then used to calculate the work function of the material.

5. What is the significance of the work function in the photoelectric effect?

The work function is an important factor in understanding the behavior of electrons in the photoelectric effect. It provides a quantitative measure of the energy required to remove an electron from a material, which is crucial in the development of technologies such as solar cells and photoelectric sensors.

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