Exam-style question
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How does increasing temperature affect the release of electrons from a metal?.
- A.It decreases the energy of the electrons
- B.It allows electrons to gain enough energy to escape
- C.It reduces the work function of the metal
- D.It increases the mass of the electrons
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- It allows electrons to gain enough energy to escape
Explanation
Why this works
Increasing the temperature provides electrons with additional thermal energy, which enables them to overcome the attractive forces holding them within the metal. As a result, more electrons are emitted, increasing the current flow in thermionic devices.
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