Q1. : 10 PTS.

Q 1. A: 4 pts.: TRUE / FALSE QUESTIONS

Answer TRUE or FALSE for each of the following questions.

# TRUE/FALSE QUESTIONS

TRUE Forces between atoms determine ground-state structure. These

1.
same forces, perturbing around the ground state, determine
elasticity, sound velocity, and thermal expansion.

TRUE
If a system is periodic in space with periodicity Δx = a, then in
2.
reciprocal space (k-space) the system is periodic with
periodicity Δk = 2π/a.

3. TRUE The sound velocity is the slope of the dispersion in the small k
limit (group velocity = phase velocity in this limit).

4. TRUE If there are M atoms per unit cell we will find M normal modes
at each wavevector k (for one-dimensional motion).

The classical theory of the free electron (Drude and Lorentz),

5. TRUE the quantum theory of the free electron (Sommerfeld) and the
zone theory (Bloch). These theories are the three stages of the
electron theory of solids.

6. TRUE The quantum theory of the free electron is based on the wave
aspect of electrons.

In a metal, the electrical conductivity σ, is related to the

7. TRUE
electron mobility μ and electron concentration n as: 𝜎 =
𝑛𝑄𝑒 𝜇𝑛 .
8. TRUE
At high temperatures, the mean free path and collision time in
a conductor are proportional to 1/T.
Q 1. B:
Encircle the correct symbol for each of the following questions

Page 1 of 8
1. For one dimensional monoatomic chain, in which the interaction is
extended to the third neighbour, the dispersion relation 𝝎𝟐 (𝒌) is:
4 𝑘𝑎 3𝑘𝑎
a) 𝜔2 (𝑘) = 𝑚 (𝐶1 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( 2 ) + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛( 𝑘𝑎) + 𝐶3 𝑠𝑖𝑛( 2
)).
4 𝑘𝑎 3𝑘𝑎
b) 𝜔2 (𝑘) = 𝑚 (𝐶1 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 ( 2 ) + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 (𝑘𝑎) + 𝐶3 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 ( )).
2
4 𝑘𝑎 3𝑘𝑎
c) 𝜔2 (𝑘) = 𝑚 (𝐶1 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 ( 2 ) + 𝐶2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 (𝑘𝑎) + 𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 ( )).
2
4𝐶 𝑘𝑎 3𝑘𝑎
d) 𝜔2 (𝑘) = (𝑠𝑖𝑛2 ( 2 ) + 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 (𝑘𝑎) + 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 ( )).
𝑚 2

2. Visible light:

a) can excite only optical phonons.

b) can excite only acoustic phonons.
c) can excite both optical and acoustic phonons.
d) cannot excite optical phonons.

3. The mass of an electron varies with variation in

a) electrostatic field.
b) magnetic field.
c) gravitational field.
d) speed

4. The total energy E of an electron in an atom is given by

ℎ
a) E=𝑚𝑣.
𝑘 2 ℎ2
b) E= .
𝜋2 𝑚
𝑘 2 ℎ2
c) E=8𝜋2 𝑚.
8𝜋2 𝑚
d) 𝐸 = .
𝑘 2 ℎ2

Page 2 of 8
 5. Which of the following factors has the least effects on the electrical
conductivity?
a) method of forming the wire.
b) Temperature.
c) alloying element.
d) intensity of any incident light.
‫ط‬

𝟏
6. The slope of the straight line drawn between 𝒍𝒏 and ( is the conductivity
𝑻
and T is the temperature) of an intrinsic semiconductor gives:
𝐸𝑔
a)
𝑘𝐵
𝐸𝑔
b) − 2𝑘
𝐵

𝑘𝐵
c)
2𝐸𝑔

𝐸𝑔
d) - 𝑘
𝐵

Q2

a) Explain what is meant by “normal mode” and by “phonon”.

b) Explain briefly why phonons obey Bose statistics.
c) Derive the dispersion relation for the longitudinal oscillations of a one-
dimensional mass-and spring crystal with N identical atoms of mass m,
lattice spacing a, and spring constant κ (motion of the masses is restricted
to be in one dimension).
d) Show that the mode with wavevector k has the same pattern of mass
displacements as the mode with wavevector k + 2π/a. Hence show that the
dispersion relation is periodic in reciprocal space (k-space). How many
different normal modes are there.

Answer Q 2:

Page 3 of 8
‫الحل موجود في صفحة ‪ 63‬من حلول الكتاب‬

‫‪Page 4 of 8‬‬
Page 5 of 8
 a) A normal mode is a periodic collective motion where all particles move
at the same frequency. A phonon is a quantum of vibration. The
vibration does carry energy, but it carries momentum as well. Each
classical normal mode of vibration corresponds to a quantum mode of
vibration which can be excited multiple times. A single mode may be
occupied by a single phonon, or it may be occupied with multiple
phonons corresponding to a larger amplitude oscillation. The fact that
the same state may be multiply occupied by phonons means that
phonons must be bosons.
b) The equation of motion for the nth particle along the chain is given
by :
m¨xn = κ(xn+1 − xn) + κ(xn−1 − xn) = κ(xn+1 + xn−1 − 2xn)
note that na is the equilibrium position of the nth particle. Using the
ansatz
xn = Ae iωt−ikna
we obtain
−ω2me iωt−ikna = κeiωt (e ik(n+1)a + eik(n−1)a − 2eikn)
ω2m = = 2κ(cos(ka) − 1)
or
ω = [(2κ/m)(cos(ka) − 1)]1/2 = 2 [κ/m]1/2 * | sin(ka/2)|

Fig. shows dispersion relation for vibrations of the one-

dimensional monatomic harmonic chain. The dispersion
is periodic in k ! k + 2π/a.
c)
e−i(k+2π/a)na = e−i(k+2π/a)na = e−ikna
If you assume periodic boundary conditions, then k = 2πm/L

Page 6 of 8
but k is
identified with k + 2π/a so that there are therefore
exactly N = L/a different normal modes.

Q3;

1. Compute the energy difference between the first and second quantum state
for a free electron in a solid 1 meter cube.
2. If the energy of the electron in the second energy level is equal to average
energy of the molecules of perfect gas, find the temperature of that electron.

Answer Q 3:
(𝑛𝑥 2 +𝑛𝑦 2 +𝑛𝑧 2 )
1. E = ℎ2 2
8𝑚𝑎
For the first quantum state, nx=ny=nz= 1. Also, a= 1m

(6.63𝑋10−34 )2 (12 +12 +12 )

𝐸1 = = 1.81 𝑋 10−37 J.
8𝑋9.1𝑋10−31 𝑋12

2. There are many equal energy states above the first state having n x , ny , nz as (
1,1,2) (1,2,1) and (2,1,1) for all these states.

𝑛𝑥 2 + 𝑛𝑦 2 + 𝑛𝑧 2 = 6

(6.63𝑋10−34 )2 𝑋(6)
∴ 𝐸2 = = 3.62 𝑋 10−37 𝐽
8𝑋9.1𝑋10−31 𝑋12

𝐸2 − 𝐸1 = 1.81 𝑋 10−37 J

3
𝑘𝑇 = 𝐸2 = 3.62 𝑋 10−37 J
2
2𝑋3.62𝑋10−37
∴ 𝑇= = 1.75 X 10−14 𝐾
3𝑋1.38𝑋10−23

Page 7 of 8
 Q4;

Q 4: The density of sodium is 970 kg/m3 and its atomic weight is 23 g/mol.
Assuming that the free electron theory of metals applied to Sodium, compute
the Fermi energy at 0 K of this metal.
Answer Q 4:

970 𝑥 6.02𝑥1023 𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑠

Number of atoms/𝑚3 = 23𝑋10−3 = 2.5 𝑥 1028 𝑚3
Assuming that one electron per atom contributes to electrical conduction, we
can write that number of free electrons per unit volume as
N = 2.5 X 1028
ℎ2 3𝑁 3 (6.62𝑥10−34 )2 3𝑥2.5𝑥1028 2
Ef = 8𝑚 ( 𝜋 )2 = 8𝑥9.1𝑥10−31 𝑥 { }3 J
𝜋
To express Ef in electron volt, the result should be divided 1.6 x 10−19 After
dividing we get
Ef = 3.1 eV

Page 8 of 8
 EXAMPLE-1

.‫ يحتوي على زئبق‬U ‫ على شكل حرف‬،‫) افترضي وجود أنبوب زئبقي مفتوح الطرفين‬A

‫ ف نيي سيسيييتقر عتيييض نفيييى مسيييتو‬،‫ عتيييضمن ييييتي وضيييب زئبيييق فيييي ا نبيييوب‬،‫فيييي الةيييندم‬
‫ ميين ا تتييو ةين أن يحييضو لسسييتو سييطن الرئبييق عتييض طييرف‬،‫ اآلن‬. ‫االرتفيين عتييض كيي طرفييي‬
‫ عتيييض تيييطيري نسجييين ماتنطيسيييي نييينجي عييين حنطتيي نساتييينطيى‬،‫االنبيييوب الرئبقيييي ا يسييير‬
‫ وضيييحي اجننتييت ننلتف ييييل‬.‫ كسيين ئيييو موضيين ننلشييكل السبيييين أدنييني‬،U ‫علييى ئي يي حيييرف‬
.‫سبب حضوو لت؟‬

EXAMPLE-1

A) Assume, U-shaped tube with a mercury-mercury, as shown below. Typically, when

mercury is placed in a tube, it settles to the same level of height at both ends. Now,
what do you expect to happen to the mercury level at the end of the left mercury tube
when it is exposed to a magnetic field caused by its surroundings with a U-shaped
magnet? -see the figure below-. Explain in details why does that happened?.

Ans EXAMPLE-1:

Mercury moves toward the bottom because it is a Dia-magnetic material, moving away from
the presence of a magnetic field.
 EXAMPLE-2

.‫ للسواد الفيروماتنطيسي ؟‬،‫ السوضن أدنني‬،(B-H) ‫اشرحي متحتى الهسترم‬

:‫مالحظات‬
Coercivity ≡ ‫القوة القهرية‬
retentivity≡ ‫على االحتفاظ‬ ‫القدرة‬
Saturation≡ ‫االشباع‬

EXAMPLE-2

Explain the B-H hysteresis curve for of ferro-magnetic material?

Ans. EXAMPLE-2

You must be talking about the hysteresis curve. It basically represents the variation of the
magnetic field inside a ferromagnetic with the external magnetizing field. You'll notice that in this
curve as you increase the external magnetizing field , the magnetic field inside the ferromagnetic
material also increases and vice versa. But even when the external magnetizing field is zero (After
magnetization) , there will still be some residual magnetic field in the material. This residual
magnetic field is called the “retentivity” of the material. To remove this residual magnetism , a
magnetizing field has to be applied in the negative direction. The minimum magnetizing field
required in the negative direction to destroy residual magnetism is called the “coercivity” of the
material. The area under the curve represents energy loss per unit volume per cycle. What is this
energy loss? It is the energy expended to demagnetize the material.
 EXAMPLE =3=

M-H hysteresis loop

Referring to the opposite figure, answer the following questions:

Q1. What is the name of this graph?

Answer: M-H hysteresis loop
Q2. What type of materials this graph represents?
Answer: Ferromagnetic material
Q3. Compete this graph by: Ms;Saturation magnetization, Mr :remanent magnetization, Hc:coercive
field.
Answer:
Ms;Saturation
Mr :remanent magnetization
magnetizatio
n
Hc:coercive
field
 EXAMPLE =4=

Q4 Figure below, shows how the susceptibility of a substance is being affected when temperature
changes. What type of dielectric would you suggest is being displayed by this substance? Why?
Answer:

The corresponding material is ferro-electric because its susceptibility increasing when the
temperature decreases and diverges to infinity at temperature Tc, which represents the ordering
temperature. For T< Tc the material is in the ferro-electrical phase and above Tc is in Para-electrical
phase 
Ferro-electrical phase

Para-electrical phase

Tc
Imam Abdelrahman Bin Faisal University
College of Sciences
Department of Physics

Solid state Physics 2

SOLVED PROBLEMS

Crystal dynamics

Exercise 1:
Choose the correct answer of each of the following:
1- For one dimensional monoatomic chain, in which the interaction is extended to the third neighbour, the
dispersion relation 𝜔2 (𝑘) is:

a) 𝜔2 (𝑘) = 𝑚4 (𝐶1 𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝑘𝑎

3𝑘𝑎
) + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛( 𝑘𝑎) + 𝐶3 𝑠𝑖𝑛( 2 ))
2
4 𝑘𝑎 3𝑘𝑎
b) 𝜔2 (𝑘) = 𝑚 (𝐶1 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 ( 2 ) + 𝐶2 𝑠𝑖𝑛2(𝑘𝑎) + 𝐶3 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 ( 2
))

c) 𝜔2 (𝑘) = 𝑚4 (𝐶1 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 (𝑘𝑎

2
) + 𝐶2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2
(𝑘𝑎) + 𝐶3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 3𝑘𝑎
( 2 ))

d) 𝜔2 (𝑘) = 4𝐶
𝑘𝑎 3𝑘𝑎
𝑚
(𝑠𝑖𝑛2 ( 2 ) + 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 (𝑘𝑎) + 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 ( 2 )).

2- Visible light:
a) can excite only optical phonons.
b) can excite only acoustic phonons.
c) can excite both optical and acoustic phonons.
d) cannot excite optical phonons.

3- To measure experimentally the density of vibration modes, we use thermal neutrons particles because
they have:
a) Wavelengths of few Å and energy of few eV.
b) The same wavelengths and energy as phonons.
c) Wavelengths of few m and energy of few eV.

1
 d) Wavelengths of few m and energy of few meV.
4- Figures below show the relation dispersion curves 𝜔(𝑘). Which curve corresponds to monoatomic three-
dimension crystal where the atoms are connected by springs with similar constant.

(a) (b) (c)

 

  

 
k k k
0 0 0

Exercise 2:
1- Consider the reciprocal lattice of hexagonal crystal. Draw the first Brillouin zone.

1BZ

Exercise 3: [problem N. (9.3, a), page 87 the text book “, =solution in the solution manual
of the text book page 61]:

2
(Problem: 9.3, a) More Vibrations:
Consider a one-dimensional spring and mass model of a crystal. Generalize this model to
include springs not only between neighbors but also between second nearest neighbors. Let
the spring constant between neighbors be called κ1 and the spring constant between second
neighbors be called κ2. Let the mass of each atom be m.
(a) Calculate the dispersion curve ω(k) for this model.
SOLUTION PROBLEM 9.3, a: