The Free Electron Model:
Classical and Quantum
Approaches / Verification
of Ohm's Law
Overview
1 Introduction 2 Classical Model
We'll start by defining the free electron model We'll explore the classical model, its
and its key assumptions. limitations, and its contributions to
understanding conductivity.
3 Quantum Model 4 Ohm's Law Verification
We'll then delve into the quantum model, We'll explore how Ohm's Law can be derived
introducing Fermi-Dirac statistics and and verified using both classical and quantum
quantized energy levels. perspectives.
5 Applications and Limitations 6 Conclusion
We'll discuss the practical applications of the We'll conclude by summarizing the key insights
free electron model and its limitations in and outlining future directions in
describing complex materials. understanding the free electron model.
Introduction to the Free
Electron Model
The free electron model provides a simple yet powerful
framework for understanding the behavior of electrons in
metals. It simplifies the complex interactions within a
metal by assuming electrons behave like free particles
moving within a uniform positive background charge
created by the metal's atomic nuclei. This model forms
the basis for understanding various electrical and thermal
properties of metals.
Classical Free Electron Model
Drude-Lorentz Model • Key Equation
o This model treats electrons as classical The conductivity (σ) is directly related to the
particles moving freely within the metal. The number density of electrons (n), their charge
metal's resistance arises from collisions (e), their collision time (τ), and their mass (m):
between these electrons and the positively σ = n e² τ / m.
charged lattice ions. • Limitations of the Classical Model
The classical model fails to explain certain
o In the absence of an electric field, these electrons are
crucial aspects of electron behavior in metals. It
moving with their random thermal velocities given by
cannot account for the temperature
the ideal gas result.
dependence of conductivity, nor can it explain
=,
quantum phenomena like discrete energy levels
where is the average of the square of
within the metal. Additionally, the classical
the thermal speeds; kB is Boltz- mann's constant, 1.38 x
model fails to accurately predict heat capacity
10 - 23 J/K; and T is the absolute temperature of the
and thermal conductivity of metals.
solid and therefore of the electron gas.
Verification of Ohm's Law (Classical Approach
Ohm's Law Classical Derivation
Ohm's Law states that the voltage across a The classical model derives Ohm's Law by
conductor is proportional to the current flowing considering the drift velocity of electrons due to
through it: V = IR, where R is the resistance. an electric field. The current density is then
related to the drift velocity and the
conductivity, leading to the verification of
Ohm's Law.
Derivation:
Let us consider a piece of metal. According to the CFE model, there are a certain number of free
electrons moving randomly with thermal velocities whose average value is obtained from
previous equation. At room temperature,
T = 300 K, this is
=1.2 x 105 m.sec ~ 75 miles
where VRMS stands for root mean square (the square root of the
mean of the square).
Derivation:
Random motion means that, if you consider a hypothetical plane , the rate at
which electrons pass from the right to the left is the same as the rate at which
they pass from the left to the right. Therefore, the net flow in any direction is
zero, and there is accordingly no net electrical current. The way to obtain a net
current is to bias the random motion of the electrons by applying an external
force, that is, creating an electric field in the sample. This may be done by
applying a potential difference .
It is seen that, although the electrons bounce
back and forth from collisions, there is a net
drift velocity Vd toward the right.
Quantum Free Electron
Model
The quantum free electron model adopts a more accurate
approach, treating electrons as a quantum gas governed
by Fermi-Dirac statistics. In this model, the energy levels
of electrons are quantized, with the highest occupied
level being the Fermi energy (EF). This quantum model is
essential for understanding the behavior of electrons in
metals at low temperatures.
Applications and Limitations
The free electron model plays a crucial role in
understanding various physical phenomena related to
metals and semiconductors. It forms the basis for
designing and understanding modern electronic devices.
However, it has limitations in describing complex
materials, particularly those exhibiting strong electron-
electron interactions or those with low dimensionality, like
graphene.
THANK YOU
