Work Function [ENDORSED]

[Iris Shim 1E]

Does the energy of a photon have to be greater than the work function in order to remove the electron? If the energy of the photon is exactly equal to the work function, would the electron still jump an energy level?

[Christietan3F]

The energy of the photon has to be greater than or equal to the work function in order to remove the electron. If the energy of the photon is greater than the work function, the excess energy becomes kinetic energy.

[SitharaMenon2B]

For your second question, yes. If the energy of the photon is exactly equal to the work function, the electron would still be emitted, but it would not have any kinetic energy.

[Wenjie Dong 2E]

I agree with the above two answers. Both yes.

[Gobinder Pandher 3J]

Here's an equation to help visualize it. (Energy of Photon)>(Work Function) ======> (Ejection of Electron). Note that if the energy of the incoming photon IS greater than the work function, then the ejected electron will have excess energy (aka kinetic energy).

[Sophie 1I]

Yes, if a photon has energy of the photon is greater than or equal to the work function the electron will be removed