Work function in photoelectric effect

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SUMMARY

The photoelectric work function is the minimum energy required to eject an electron from a metal surface. When energy equal to the work function is applied, electrons do not merely vibrate; they require energy exceeding the work function to escape. The concept of "image charge" is crucial in understanding electron behavior at the metal surface, as it explains why electrons do not remain just outside the surface when energy is applied.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the photoelectric effect
  • Familiarity with the concept of work function
  • Knowledge of electron behavior in metals
  • Basic grasp of image charge theory
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of the photoelectric effect in detail
  • Study the concept of work function in various materials
  • Explore the theory of image charges and its implications
  • Investigate experimental setups demonstrating the photoelectric effect
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Students of physics, educators teaching the photoelectric effect, and researchers exploring electron dynamics in materials.

gracy
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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?
 
Last edited:
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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.
 
ZapperZ said:
Do you not know about "image charge"?
No.I don't know!
 

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