work functionn.
/ˈwəːk ˌfʌŋ(k)ʃn/, U.S. /ˈwərk ˌfəŋ(k)ʃən/ Physics.
1. A thermodynamic property of a system, A = U − TS (where U is the internal energy, T the temperature, and S the entropy of the system), representing the amount of energy that can be converted into work at constant temperature; also called Helmholtz free energy. Symbol A.
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the world > matter > physics > mechanics > dynamics > thermodynamics > [noun] > specific properties
spin-heat1851
total heat1851
work function1878
enthalpy1909
1878 R. E. Baynes Lessons Thermodynamics 36 Intrinsic energy..appears also in Sir W. Thomson's papers as the mechanical energy and in Professor Kirchhoff's as the work-function.
1929 R. H. Fowler Statistical Mech. iv. 96 k log K(T) for the crystal is the thermodynamic function known as Planck's characteristic function, and −kT log K(T) is the more usual work function..A.
1937 P. S. Epstein Textbk. Thermodynamics v. 92 When the temperature and the volume of a system are kept constant, its work function has a tendency to decrease.
2012 J. D. Bapat Mineral Admixtures Cement & Concrete i. 29 The static electrical charge (electrons) transfers from the material with the lower thermodynamic work function (carbon and steel) to the material with the higher thermodynamic work function (mineral ash).
2. The minimum amount of energy which is required to remove an electron from the surface of a solid (typically a metal) to an indefinite distance, as a characteristic of the surface concerned. Symbol ϕ.
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the world > matter > physics > atomic physics > particle physics > particle avoiding strong interaction > electron > [noun] > kinetic energy of electrons > minimum quantity for purpose
work function1923
1923 Proc. Royal Soc. A. 104 637 The estimations of the photo-electric work function..are in all cases a good deal greater than the corresponding values of the thermionic work function.
1998 New Scientist 24 Jan. 31/2 The whole project hinges on whether they can find a material with a work function of less than 0.3 electronvolts.
2005 V. Misra in H. R. Huff & D. C. Gilmer High Dielectric Constant Materials xiv. 416 The work functions of metal oxides and nitrides are in general larger than those of their corresponding elemental metals.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2014; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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n.1878