Which One of the Following Phrases Best Describes the Term

Multiple Choice

Which one of the following phrases best describes the term work function?

A) the minimum energy required to vaporize a metal surface
B) the work required to place a charged particle on a metal surface
C) the minimum energy required to remove electrons from a metal surface
D) the minimum energy required to remove an atom from a metal surface
E) the work done by electromagnetic radiation when it hits a metal surface