Final answer:
The idea that a work function is applicable under the classical wave model of light is false. Work function and wave-particle duality are quantum mechanical concepts that do not apply to classical physics' description of light as a continuous wave. Energy conservation is a fundamental aspect of both classical and quantum physics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of a work function (or binding energy) being permissible under the classical wave model is false. The work function is a concept from quantum mechanics and pertains to the minimum energy needed to remove an electron from the surface of a metal. This concept becomes evident in the explanation of the photoelectric effect, where light is shown to behave as particles (photons) rather than waves. In the classical wave model, light is considered as a wave, and thus, the concept of a work function that involves discrete packets of energy is not applicable.
Moreover, wave-particle duality, which is the ability of particles to exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties, does not exist for objects on the macroscopic scale. This duality is a fundamental concept of quantum mechanics, which describes the properties of particles at the subatomic level.
When discussing the binding energy, it is also important to note that a negative binding energy would not imply an unbound system; instead, it reflects the energy required to separate the components of a system. In classical mechanics and quantum mechanics, energy and momentum conservation are key principles, and quantum mechanics must be consistent with classical results where they apply. Thus, while the quantum model explains many phenomena that the classical model cannot, it does not invalidate those classical explanations that still hold true.