Photoelectric Work Function
The work function is the minimum energy that must be given to an electron to liberate it from the surface of a particular substance. In the photoelectric effect, electron excitation is achieved by absorption of a photon. If the photon's energy is greater than the substance's work function, photoelectric emission occurs and the electron is liberated from the surface. Excess photon energy results in a liberated electron with non-zero kinetic energy. The photoelectric work function is:
where is the Planck constant and is the minimum (threshold) frequency of the photon required to produce photoelectric emission.
Read more about this topic: Work Function
Famous quotes containing the words work and/or function:
“A work of art is one through which the consciousness of the artist is able to give its emotions to anyone who is prepared to receive them. There is no such thing as bad art.”
—Muriel Rukeyser (1913–1980)
“The function of the actor is to make the audience imagine for the moment that real things are happening to real people.”
—George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950)