Question about QM description of metallic conduction

In summary, the classical picture of conduction electrons in conductors is an oversimplification, but still useful for describing many properties of electric current. Some materials have a current due to the motion of opposite-charged carriers called holes. The proper description of metallic conduction involves the use of quantum mechanics, but there is no specific description of this on the provided wiki webpage.
  • #1
samgrace
27
0
I have read in a classical EM book:

" The picture of conduction electrons moving freely in conductors is an oversimplification, although it gives a good qualitative description of many of the properties of electric current.

In some materials the current is due to the motion of carriers with a charge equal in size to that on the electron but opposite sign. These carriers are called holes and can be regarded as gaps or holes in the conductor which otherwise has a full complement of electrons, to account for the neutrality that arises from each electron's pair nuclei.

The proper description of metallic conduction requires the use of quantum mechanics. "
 
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  • #2
Was there a question?
 
  • #3
What is the quantum mechanical description of metallic conduction?
 
  • #4
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_and_quantum_conductivity
 
  • #5
There is actually no description on quantum mechanical description of metallic conduction at this wiki webpage.
 

FAQ: Question about QM description of metallic conduction

What is quantum mechanics (QM)?

Quantum mechanics is a branch of physics that describes the behavior of particles at the subatomic level. It is based on the principles of quantum theory, which explains how particles can exist in multiple states and how they interact with each other.

2. How does QM describe metallic conduction?

QM describes metallic conduction as the movement of electrons through a metal lattice. According to QM, electrons can exist in energy levels or orbitals, and they can move between these levels when a voltage is applied. This movement of electrons is what causes electric current in metallic conductors.

3. What is the role of the Fermi level in QM description of metallic conduction?

The Fermi level is the highest energy level occupied by electrons at absolute zero temperature. In QM, it is used to describe the behavior of electrons in a metal. The Fermi level determines the maximum energy an electron can have in a metal, and it plays a crucial role in determining the electrical and thermal properties of metals.

4. Are there any limitations to QM's description of metallic conduction?

Yes, QM has some limitations when it comes to describing metallic conduction. It cannot fully explain all the properties of metals, such as their magnetic and thermal properties. Additionally, QM does not take into account the interactions between electrons, which can affect the behavior of electrons in a metal.

5. How does QM help us understand the conductivity of different metals?

QM provides a theoretical framework for understanding the conductivity of different metals. It helps us understand why some metals are better conductors than others, based on their atomic structure and the behavior of electrons at the subatomic level. QM also allows us to predict and explain the electrical properties of metals, such as resistivity and conductivity, through mathematical models.

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