The temperature dependence of the work functions of the monovalent noble metals.

• Main Author: Crowell, Clarence. R.
• Other Authors: Woonton, G. (Supervisor)
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: McGill University 1955
• Subjects: Physics.
• Online Access: http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=109935

A theory to explain the temperature dependence of the work function of the monovalent metals has been developed assuming a free-electron approximation for the valence electrons, and a Debye model for the thermal vibrations of the ion cores. The theory predicts that the electrostatic effect of thermal vibrations is the chief contribution to the temperature coefficient of the work function, all other contributions being either negligible or cancelling. Agreement between theory and experiment was obtained from observations made on silver and copper films but not from less reliable measurements made on gold films. Measurements were taken over the temperature range 300°K to 800°K using a capacitive contact potential method.