Measuring the Work Function of Metals Through the Photoelectric Effect

Abstract

By reproducing the photoelectric effect in a vacuum environment, this experiment aims to analyze the relationship between work function value and properties of metal; specifically, binary alloys’ purity and temperature conditions. Through the exploration based on previous reports and reasonable hypothesis, we were able to construct an apparatus using a vacuum chamber, LED and several other pieces to try and workout the work function of our metal alloys. The experiment would prove to be a challenge with results being difficult to observe.