PHYS 3310 Module 11.1

Free Electron Model of Metals

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11.1 Free Electron Model of Metals

Learning Objectives

  • Describe the classical free electron model of metals in terms of the concept electron number density
  • Explain the quantum free-electron model of metals in terms of Pauli’s exclusion principle
  • Calculate the energy levels and energy-level spacing of a free electron in a metal

Free Electron Model

Practice 11.1.1
The Fermi energy corresponds to:
A. the maximum energy electrons can have in a metal at T = 0 K.
B. the maximum energy electrons can have in a metal at T = 0°C.
C. the minimum energy electrons can have in a metal at T = 0 K.
D. the minimum energy electrons can have in a metal at T = 0° C.
E. the number of electrons per unit volume between E and E + dE.
Check your answer: A. the maximum energy electrons can have in a metal at T = 0 K.

Copper has a free electron density of 8.45 x 1028 /m3. What is the Fermi energy for Cu at T = 0?