Why do metals have different work functions ?
Physics and electronics discussion, revision, exam and homework help.
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Why do metals have different work functions ?I did a bit of research and came across an article that said a metals with a low I.P tend to have a lower work function.
What is I.P ?
http://www.citycollegiate.com/physicsXII_17a.htm -
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Re: Why do metals have different work functions ?Oh, is IP the same as ionisation energies in chemistry ? Hence, we could make use of the factors of nuclear charge, electron shielding and position of electrons in their orbitals to explain the different work functions ?(Original post by Stonebridge)
Ionisation potential.
The larger that is, the more energy needed to remove an electron from the atom, and therefore likely to be more energy needed to remove it from the metal. -
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Re: Why do metals have different work functions ?I.P means the Ionization Potential.. it is the energy which will require to remove the outermost electron of an atom.. I.P will be different for different atoms because of their atomic number. For further details you can also consult this site(Original post by Ari Ben Canaan)
I did a bit of research and came across an article that said a metals with a low I.P tend to have a lower work function.
What is I.P ?
http://www.citycollegiate.com/physicsXII_17a.htm
http://www.notes4all.com/Nuclear.Physics.P1.htm thanks -
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Re: Why do metals have different work functions ?exactly you are right...(Original post by Stonebridge)
Ionisation potential.
The larger that is, the more energy needed to remove an electron from the atom, and therefore likely to be more energy needed to remove it from the metal.
