Dismiss Notice
Join Physics Forums Today!

Work function in photoelectric effect

  1. Jul 3, 2015 #1
    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: Jul 3, 2015
  2. jcsd
  3. Jul 3, 2015 #2


    User Avatar
    Staff Emeritus
    Science Advisor
    Education Advisor
    2016 Award

    This is rather dubious. Why would it "vibrate"? We would have detected the radiation from such a vibration.

    No, that is not right. Do you not know about "image charge"?

  4. Jul 3, 2015 #3
    No.I don't know!

Similar Discussions: Work function in photoelectric effect
  1. Photoelectric effect (Replies: 1)

  2. Photoelectric effect (Replies: 5)

  3. Photoelectric effect (Replies: 3)