How does value of work function depends upon nature of metal surface?
Dear student,
Light above the threshold frequency, even if it's not very intense, will always cause electrons to be emitted. The explanation for the photoelectric effect is: it takes a certain energy to eject an electron from a metal surface. This energy is known as the work function (W), which depends on the metal.
As per classical physics, when an electron tries to escape from metal surface, it leaves a positive image behind in the metal surface. Due attraction of this positive image negative electron turns back to metal surface hence cannot leave the metal crystal permanently. But to overcome this attraction force an electron requires sufficient energy supplied from outside normally from external light source.
Regards
Light above the threshold frequency, even if it's not very intense, will always cause electrons to be emitted. The explanation for the photoelectric effect is: it takes a certain energy to eject an electron from a metal surface. This energy is known as the work function (W), which depends on the metal.
As per classical physics, when an electron tries to escape from metal surface, it leaves a positive image behind in the metal surface. Due attraction of this positive image negative electron turns back to metal surface hence cannot leave the metal crystal permanently. But to overcome this attraction force an electron requires sufficient energy supplied from outside normally from external light source.
Regards