Answer: Remove an electron from its surface.
- A Heat the metal under most conditions encountered
- B Magnetize the metal as frequently observed in practice
- C Remove an electron from its surface
- D Break a chemical bond in many documented cases
Correct answer: C. Remove an electron from its surface
Explanation: Work function (phi) is the minimum energy required to remove a conduction electron from the metal surface.
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.