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Which of these metals has the least work function (φ₀)?

Asked in GUJCET 2021 · Work function and the photoelectric equation

Answer: (4) Na

Step-by-step solution

Idea: compare the textbook values of the work function.

Na: 2.75 eV; Ca: 3.20 eV; Mo: 4.17 eV; Pb: 4.25 eV.

Alkali metals such as sodium hold their outermost electron loosely, so their work functions are small; that is why they respond even to visible light.

So sodium (Na) has the least work function.

Why the other options are wrong

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