Energy Distribution of Secondary Electrons from Copper, Iron, Nickel and Silver

Abstract

This is an extension of previous experiments. An improved form of tube was used from which certain former disturbing factors were eliminated. The energy distribution curves show no evidence of the existence of inelastic collisions, but are found to vary with the metal and to be different for the metal before heating at red heat than after. When the primary voltage is less than about 35 or 40 volts, which varies somewhat with the metal, there are practically no electrons escaping from the metal which have just sufficient energy to do so, but all have an energy of 0.5 equivalent volt or more in excess of that required to escape. A possible interpretation of this result is given.