Electron Thermal Motion in Solids

The thermal motion of an individual electron in a solid at room temperature can be visualized as random scattering from lattice vibrations, impurities, other electrons, and defects. This random scattering results in no net motion of electrons over a period of time to a particular direction, leading to no net current flow.

When an electric field E is applied, each electron experiences a net force -qE from the field. Although this force may be insufficient to alter appreciably the random path of an individual electron, the effect when averaged over all the electrons is a net motion of the group in the direction opposite to the field direction.

At thermal equilibrium, the random scattering of charge carriers in a solid results in no net motion of electrons to a particular direction, leading to no net current flow.

<p>At ordinary temperature, a semiconductor has both free electrons in the conduction band and an equal number of holes in the valence band, resulting in no net current flow.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>When an electric field is applied, the net motion of electrons in the solid is in the direction opposite to the field direction due to the net force experienced by each electron from the field.</p> Signup and view all the answers