Exam-style question
Try this first
Which of the following best describes the relationship between temperature and thermionic emission?.
- A.Higher temperatures decrease thermionic emission
- B.Temperature has no effect on thermionic emission
- C.Higher temperatures increase the rate of thermionic emission
- D.Temperature only affects the work function
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- Higher temperatures increase the rate of thermionic emission
Explanation
Why this works
As the temperature of a metal increases, the kinetic energy of its electrons also increases. This leads to a higher probability that electrons will gain enough energy to overcome the work function, thus increasing the rate of thermionic emission.
Common mistake
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