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The work function of dilute mercury amalgams

1970; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 21; Issue: 170 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/14786437008238414

0031-8086

Glen Turner,

Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics

Abstract The addition of very small amounts of Na, K or Tl to liquid Hg is shown to have a drastic effect in lowering its work function. It is clear that these solutes are ‘surface active'; i.e. they concentrate in the surface layer and completely change the surface contribution to the work function. In and Cd, on the other hand, appear to be surface inactive. Two possible explanations are offered for the effect that these two solutes produce. One theory, based on the assumption that they leave the surface contribution unaffected but change the inner work function by causing the density of the solvent to increase, is quantitatively successful.