The results of measurements made of contact potential have been given together with comparisons of other experimenters. The results of making cells using two dissimilar metals and X-radiation have beengiven. Theoretical and experimental results obtained by making a from the cells are shown. The design and test results of a radioactive battery resulting from this experimental work is explained in detail. This phenomenon exists because of the difference in work functions of the two metals.
Electrons escape from the surface of all metals.
Since the work function of a metal is defined as the amount of work required to free an electron. Well known figures such as C. E. Maxwell, 1. Ostwald.0.Lodge and others thought that the true contact potential between pure metals was negligible. They felt that the observed magnitudes were due to impurities such as absorbed gas layers or thin layers of electrolytes adhering to the metallic surfaces It is only in relatively recent times that a decisive state has been reached. In the Equilibrium State this is represented by the equation Where S is the Gibbsian thermodynamic potential of the electrons.