Condensed Matter Physics
The work function is the minimum energy required to remove an electron from the surface of a solid material, typically a metal, to a point in vacuum where it has negligible kinetic energy. This concept is crucial in understanding the electronic properties of materials, especially in relation to phenomena like photoemission and electron emission processes. The work function varies depending on the material and its surface conditions, playing a significant role in applications like thermionic emission and photoelectric effect.
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