Work Functions of the Elements

Like the chemical properties of the elements, the work function φ is a periodic function of atomic number, as shown clearly by a new compilation of published data for 57 elements. The progressive rise and fall of work function values throughout the table of the elements appears to be sufficiently regular to permit approximations to be made of values for the metallic and semimetallic elements on which no data has yet been published. Since the first ionization potential Ei and electrode potential E0 exhibit a similar periodic function of atomic number, a striking resemblance exists among the respective plots of φ, Ei, and E0.