Free Electron Theory in Solid State Physics

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

According to the free electron theory, a metal consists of electrons that are free to move in the crystal like:

  • Particles in a vacuum
  • Ions in a solution
  • Atoms in a liquid state
  • Molecules of a gas in a container (correct)

What are valence electrons associated with?

  • An atom's nucleus
  • An atom's innermost shell
  • An atom's protons
  • An atom's outer shell (correct)

In the free electron theory, what do metal crystals contain besides free electrons?

  • Neutrons
  • Negative ions
  • Positive ions (correct)
  • Protons

According to the postulates of the free electron theory, how do free electrons move in a metal?

<p>In random directions and make collisions with positive ions and other free electrons (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of collisions do free electrons make according to the free electron theory?

<p>Elastic collisions with no loss of energy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a valence electron?

<p>An outer shell electron associated with an atom (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do free electrons move in a metal according to the free electron theory?

<p>In random directions and make collisions with either positive ions fixed in the lattice or other free electrons (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do metal crystals contain besides free electrons according to the free electron theory?

<p>Positive ions and free electrons (valence electrons) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the movement of free electrons in a metal governed by according to the free electron theory?

<p>The laws of the classical kinetic theory of gas (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the rest of the electrons in a metal crystal known as, besides valence electrons?

<p>Core electrons (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards are hidden until you start studying

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.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

More Like This

Solid State Physics Quiz
5 questions
Engineering Physics Revision Quiz
5 questions
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser