Question

The work function (A) is defined as

Answer 1

Explanation:

The work function (or workfunction) is defined as the minimum amount of thermodynamic work (i.e. energy) required to remove an electron from a solid to a point in the vacuum immediately outside the solid surface. The symbol for work function is Φ (uppercase Phi of the Greek alphabet).

Answer 2

The work function (A) is defined as the least amount of energy that is needed to remove an electron to infinity from the surface of a given metal.

• In a photoelectric effect experiment, light with a suitable frequency (ν) when incident on a metal surface will cause an ejection of electrons called the photoelectrons.
• This ejection is possible only when the energy of the incident light (hν)  is greater than a minimum amount of energy. This minimum amount of energy is called the work function.
• Every metal surface has its own characteristic work function.