Answer: Electron affinity: energy to ADD electron to neutral atom; work function: energy to REMOVE from solid.
- A They are exactly the same quantity defined for the same physical process in the majority of cases studied
- B Electron affinity: energy to ADD electron to neutral atom; work function: energy to REMOVE from solid
- C Work function applies specifically to isolated gas-phase atoms, not solids as widely reported in standard practice
- D Electron affinity is usually numerically smaller than the work function under most conditions encountered
Correct answer: B. Electron affinity: energy to ADD electron to neutral atom; work function: energy to REMOVE from solid
Explanation: Work function: energy to remove electron from metal surface. Electron affinity: energy released when electron is added to neutral atom. Different quantities.
In the photoelectric setup, light striking the metal plate ejects electrons that cross the evacuated tube to the collector, producing a measurable current on the ammeter.
Concept context
Photoelectric effect, de Broglie waves, Bohr's model, atomic spectra.