Verified Solution • 2025–26 Session moderate

QPage 351: Q5: HC Verma: Concepts of Physics - Volume 2 Electric Current through Gases Page 351: Q5 Solution: Would you prefer a material with a high work-function or a low…

⚠️ Common Exam Traps & Conceptual Pitfalls

Students frequently assume that a higher work‑function aids electron flow, confusing the barrier with the current itself; in reality the work function is the energy electrons must overcome, so a lower work‑function reduces the required thermal energy and yields a more efficient cathode.

Would you prefer a material with a high work-function or a low work-function to be used as a cathode in a diode?

Step-by-Step Verified Solution

**Answer:** A material with a low work-function is preferred. **Step-by-Step Explanation:** The work function is the minimum energy required to eject an electron from the metal surface. A lower work function means electrons can be emitted at lower temperatures, making the cathode more efficient and durable .

All Questions in this Chapter

QPage 351: Q1 QPage 351: Q2 QPage 351: Q3 QPage 351: Q4 QPage 351: Q5 QPage 351: Q6 QPage 351: Q7 QPage 351: Q8 QPage 351: Q9 QPage 351: Q10 QPage 352: Q1 QPage 352: Q2 QPage 352: Q3 QPage 352: Q4 QPage 352: Q5 QPage 352: Q6 QPage 352: Q7 QPages 351-352: Q1 QPages 351-352: Q2 QPages 351-352: Q3 QPages 351-352: Q4 QPages 351-352: Q5 QPages 351-352: Q6 QPages 351-352: Q7 QPages 351-352: Q8 QPages 351-352: Q9 QPages 352-354: Q1 QPages 352-354: Q2 QPages 352-354: Q3 QPages 352-354: Q4 QPages 352-354: Q5 QPages 352-354: Q6 QPages 352-354: Q7 QPages 352-354: Q8 QPages 352-354: Q9 QPages 352-354: Q10 QPages 352-354: Q11 QPages 352-354: Q12 QPages 352-354: Q13 QPages 352-354: Q14 QPages 352-354: Q15 QPages 352-354: Q16 QPages 352-354: Q17 QPages 352-354: Q18 QPages 352-354: Q19 QPages 352-354: Q20 QPages 352-354: Q21 QPages 352-354: Q22 QPages 352-354: Q23

Related Learning Resources & Exam Preparation

Chapter Practice Bank
Practice all topic-wise questions from Electric Current through Gases
Reference Textbook Solutions
Explore complete chapter exercises for HC Verma: Concepts of Physics - Volume 2
Competitive PYQ Question Bank
Browse year-wise authentic previous years' questions with solutions
Authentic CBT Mock Tests
Simulate official exam environment with live timer and percentile scoring