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According to the free electron theory, a metal consists of electrons that are free to move in the crystal like:
According to the free electron theory, a metal consists of electrons that are free to move in the crystal like:
What are valence electrons associated with?
What are valence electrons associated with?
In the free electron theory, what do metal crystals contain besides free electrons?
In the free electron theory, what do metal crystals contain besides free electrons?
According to the postulates of the free electron theory, how do free electrons move in a metal?
According to the postulates of the free electron theory, how do free electrons move in a metal?
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What type of collisions do free electrons make according to the free electron theory?
What type of collisions do free electrons make according to the free electron theory?
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What is a valence electron?
What is a valence electron?
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How do free electrons move in a metal according to the free electron theory?
How do free electrons move in a metal according to the free electron theory?
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What do metal crystals contain besides free electrons according to the free electron theory?
What do metal crystals contain besides free electrons according to the free electron theory?
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What is the movement of free electrons in a metal governed by according to the free electron theory?
What is the movement of free electrons in a metal governed by according to the free electron theory?
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What are the rest of the electrons in a metal crystal known as, besides valence electrons?
What are the rest of the electrons in a metal crystal known as, besides valence electrons?
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Study Notes
Free Electron Theory of Metals
- Free Electron Model: Metals are regarded as lattices of positive ions with a "sea" of delocalized, free electrons, allowing movement throughout the crystal structure.
- Valence Electrons: These are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom, responsible for chemical bonding and electrical conductivity in metals.
- Metal Crystals Composition: Besides free electrons, metal crystals consist of fixed positive ions in a regular arrangement, giving structure to the metal.
Movement of Free Electrons
- Electron Movement: Free electrons move randomly and can travel through the metal lattice, contributing to conductivity.
- Collisions: During their movement, free electrons collide with lattice ions and other electrons, which affects the conduction properties.
- Governing Factors: The behavior of free electrons is influenced by temperature, frequency of collisions, and the density of the metal.
Electron Types in Metal Crystals
- Valence and Core Electrons: In addition to valence electrons, the remaining electrons in a metal crystal are known as core electrons, occupying inner shells and not participating in conduction.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the free electron theory, proposed by Drude & Lorentz in 1900, to explain the electrical and thermal conductivity of solid materials. Learn about the behavior of valence electrons in metals and their resemblance to molecules in a gas.
