What is quantum free electron theory?
Quantum free electron theory is a microscopic theory developed by Sommerfeld in 1928. According to this theory, the free electrons move with a constant potential obeys quantum laws (Fermi-Dirac statistics).
What is free electron theory of metals?
Classical free electron theory: The first theory was developed by Drude and Lorentz in 1900. According to this theory, metal contains free electrons which are responsible for the electrical conductivity and electrons obey the laws of classical mechanics.
Who invented free electron theory of metals?
physicist Hendrik A. Lorentz
The free-electron model was first proposed by the Dutch physicist Hendrik A. Lorentz shortly after 1900 and was refined in 1928 by Arnold Sommerfeld of Germany. Sommerfeld introduced quantum-mechanical concepts, most notably the Pauli exclusion principle.
What are the assumptions of quantum free electron theory of metals?
Assumptions of Quantum Free Electron Theory 1) Valence electrons move freely in a constant potential within the boundaries of metal and is prevented from escaping the metal at the boundaries (high potential). Hence the electron is trapped in a potential well.
What are the types of free electron theory?
Drude and Lorentz gave classical free electron theory of metals theory in 1900. Another name for this theory is Drude –Lorentz theory of metals. Classical theory says that the metals having free electrons obey the laws of classical mechanics.
What are the success of quantum free electron theory?
Merits of quantum free electron theory 1. It successfully explains the electrical and thermal conductivity of metals. 2. It can explain the Thermionic phenomenon.
What are the advantages of quantum free electron theory?
Advantages of Quantum free electron theory 1. This theory explains the specific heat capacity of materials. 2. This theory explains photo electric effect, Compton Effect and block body radiation.
What are the salient features of free electron theory?
The classical free electron theory was proposed by Drude and Lorentz. According to this theory the electrons are moving freely and randomly moving in the entire volume of the metal like gas atoms in the gas container. When an electric field is applied the free electrons gets accelerated.
What is the difference between classical and quantum free electron theory?
The key difference between classical theory and quantum theory is that classical theory describes the nature of macroscopic level, whereas quantum theory describes the nature of microscopic level.
What are the failures of quantum free electron theory?
This theory gives the correct mathematical expression for the thermalconductivity of metals. 1.9. 3Drawbacks of Quantum free electron theory1. This theory fails to distinguish between metal, semiconductor and Insulator.2.It also fails to explain the positive value of Hall Co-efficient.
What are the limitations of quantum free electron theory?
Drawbacks of Quantum free electron theory 1. This theory fails to distinguish between metal, semiconductor and Insulator. 2.It also fails to explain the positive value of Hall Co-efficient.
What is the success of quantum free electron theory?