PHYSICS

JAMB 2006 - Question 11

Physics 2006 JAMB Past Questions - Question 11: the process through which free electrons leave the surface of hot metals is known as

Choose the correct answers from the options given.
the process through which free electrons leave the surface of hot metals is known as
A:
B:
C:
D:
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Correct Answer

A

Explanation

The process through which free electrons leave the surface of hot metals is known as "thermionic emission." This phenomenon occurs when the thermal energy of the metal increases the kinetic energy of the electrons to the point where they can overcome the work function (the minimum energy required to escape from the metal's surface) and escape into the surrounding space, forming an electron cloud or a space charge. Thermionic emission is the principle behind devices like vacuum tubes and cathode-ray tubes (CRTs), which rely on the emission of electrons from a heated metal cathode.