What are free electrons

1. What are free electrons?
2. Why do they not leave the metal surface on their own?
3. How can they be made to leave the metal surface?

Answer

1. Electrons in outer orbits are attracted weakly by the nucleus and so they are loosely bound and are called free electrons.
2. They do not have sufficient kinetic energy.
3. By imparting heat energy or light energy or electrical energy to the metal surface.

• Exam Year: 2017