One electron volt energy is equal to the:

One electron volt energy is equal to the: Correct Answer 1.602 × 10<span style="position: relative; line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; top: -0.5em;font-size:10.5px;">-19</span> J

CONCEPT:

Electron emission:

  • We know that metals have free electrons (negatively charged particles) that are responsible for their conductivity. However, the free electrons cannot normally escape out of the metal surface.
    • If an electron attempts to come out of the metal, the metal surface acquires a positive charge and pulls the electron back to the metal. The free electron is thus held inside the metal surface by the attractive forces of the ions.
    • Consequently, the electron can come out of the metal surface only if it has got sufficient energy to overcome the attractive pull.
  • A certain minimum amount of energy is required to be given to an electron to pull it out from the surface of the metal. This minimum energy required by an electron to escape from the metal surface is called the work function of the metal.
    • The work function is denoted by ϕo and measured in eV (electron volt).
  • One electron volt is the energy gained by an electron when it has been accelerated by a potential difference of 1 volt.

⇒ 1eV = 1.602 × 10-19 J

EXPLANATION:

  • One electron volt is the energy gained by an electron when it has been accelerated by a potential difference of 1 volt.

⇒ 1eV = 1.602×10-19 J

  • The work function (ϕo) depends on the properties of the metal and the nature of its surface.
  • The work function of platinum is the highest while it is the lowest for cesium.
    • The work function for platinum is 5.65 eV.
    • The work function for cesium is 2.14 eV.
  • Hence, option 2 is correct.

Additional Information

  • The minimum energy required for the electron emission from the metal surface can be supplied to the free electrons by any one of the following physical processes:
Thermionic emission Field emission Photoelectric emission
By suitably heating, sufficient thermal energy can be imparted to the free electrons to enable them to come out of the metal. By applying a very strong electric field (of the order of 108 V/m) to a metal, electrons can be pulled out of the metal, as in a spark plug. When the light of suitable frequency illuminates a metal surface, electrons are emitted from the metal surface. These photo-generated electrons are called photoelectrons.
 

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Modern civilisation is completely dependent on energy, which has therefore to be abundant and also economical. About 85% of the world's energy is supplied by oil, coal and natural gas while nuclear, hydro, wind and solar power and biomass supply the rest. Coal, nuclear and hydro are used primarily to generate electricity while natural gas is widely used for heating. Biomass is used both for heating and cooking. The wind and solar power is the future's hope as they are sustainable energy sources. Oil powers almost all machines that move and that makes oil uniquely versatile. Oil powered airplanes carry 500 people across the widest oceans at nearly the speed of sound. Oil powered machines produce and transport food. Oil powered machines are ubiquitous. Clearly, we live in the age of oil but it is drawing to a close. According to data available if oil production remains constant until it's gone, there is enough to last 42 years. Oil wells will produce less as they become depleted, which will make it impossible to keep production constant. Similarly natural gas and coal will last another 61 years and 133 years respectively. Naturally, as they become scarce, they become expensive, leading to a worldwide energy crisis. If we are to survive on this planet, we have to make a transition to sustainable energy sources. The transition may be willy-nilly or planned - the choice is ours. The dawning era of limited and expensive energy will be very difficult for everyone on earth but will be even more difficult if it is not anticipated. It is of utmost importance that the public and policymakers understand the global energy crisis and act in tandem to ensure that the species 'homo sapiens' does not become extinct. The energy sources of the future are