Free electron model: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 12:39, 9 April 2024

Revision as of 13:00, 9 April 2024

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{{short description|Simple model for the behaviour of valence electrons in a crystal structure of a metallic solid}}

{{about|the solid-state model for metals|the model of a free electron gas|Fermi gas}}

{{More citations needed|date=September 2008}}In [[solid-state physics]], the '''free electron model''' is a [[Quantum mechanics|quantum mechanical]] model for the behaviour of [[charge carrier]]s in a [[metal]]lic solid. It was developed in 1927,<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Sommerfeld|first=Arnold|author-link=Arnold Sommerfeld|date=1928-01-01|title=Zur Elektronentheorie der Metalle auf Grund der Fermischen Statistik|journal=Zeitschrift für Physik|language=de|volume=47|issue=1–2|pages=1–32|doi=10.1007/bf01391052|issn=0044-3328|bibcode=1928ZPhy...47....1S}}</ref> principally by [[Arnold Sommerfeld]], who combined the [[Classical physics|classical]] [[Drude model]] with quantum mechanical [[Fermi–Dirac statistics]] and hence it is also known as the '''Drude–Sommerfeld model'''.<ref name=":1" group="Ashcroft & Mermin">{{Harvnb|Ashcroft|Mermin|1976|loc=Ch. 2 & Ch. 3}}</ref><ref name=":1" group="Kittel">{{Harvnb|Kittel|1972|loc=Ch. 6}}</ref>{{full citation needed|date=April 2024}}

Given its simplicity, it is surprisingly successful in explaining many experimental phenomena, especially