alleryThe work function φ₀ of a metal is best defined as
AThe kinetic energy of the fastest photoelectron
BThe frequency of incident light
CThe minimum energy needed to escape from the metal surface
DThe stopping potential at a specific frequency
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. The minimum energy needed to escape from the metal surface
1. Free electrons in a metal are held by attractive electrostatic forces near the surface.
2. To escape, they must gain a certain minimum energy.
3. That minimum energy is the work function, φ₀, measured typically in eV.
4. It depends on the metal and the state of its surface.
_Source: syllabus Physics, Ch 11 "Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter", §11.2_
Keep practising Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter
Browse all Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter questions for JEE Advanced, or explore more Physics topics.