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Module - 1

The document provides an overview of conducting materials, defining key concepts such as electrical resistivity, conductivity, drift velocity, mobility, mean free path, collision time, and relaxation time. It discusses the free electron theory of solids, including its merits and demerits, and introduces concepts like Fermi-Distribution law, fermions, Fermi level, and density of states. Additionally, it explains periodic potential and effective mass of an electron.

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2 views3 pages

Module - 1

The document provides an overview of conducting materials, defining key concepts such as electrical resistivity, conductivity, drift velocity, mobility, mean free path, collision time, and relaxation time. It discusses the free electron theory of solids, including its merits and demerits, and introduces concepts like Fermi-Distribution law, fermions, Fermi level, and density of states. Additionally, it explains periodic potential and effective mass of an electron.

Uploaded by

mukesh.302008
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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MODULE – I

CONDUCTING MATERIALS
1. What is conducting materials?
The materials which conduct electricity when electric field is applied are called
conducting materials.
2. Define electrical resistivity. Give its unit.
It can be defined as the resistance offered by a material of unit area of cross section
and unit length. Its unit is ohm – m.
3. Define electrical conductivity. Give its unit.
It can be defined as the amount of electric charges conducted per unit time across
unit area of a conductor for an unit applied electric field. Its unit is ohm-1 m-1.
4. Define drift velocity.
The average velocity acquired by the free electrons of a metal in a particular direction
by the application of an electric field is known as drift velocity.
5. Define mobility. Give its unit.
It is defined as the drift velocity per unit electric field. Its unit is m2 V-1 s-1.
6. Define mean free path.
The average distance travelled by a free electron between any two successive
collisions in the presence of an applied electric field is known as mean free path.
7. What is collision time?
The average time taken by a free electron between any two successive collisions is
known as collision time of the electron.
8. What is relaxation time?
The average time taken by a free electron to reach its equilibrium position from its
disturbed position due to the application of an electric field is called relaxation time.
9. What do you infer from free electron theory of solids?
The free electron theory of solids explains the structure and properties of solids
through their electronic structure. Also it explains,
 The behavior of conductors, semiconductors and insulators.
 The electrical, thermal and magnetic properties of solids.
10. What are the merits of classical free electron theory of solids?
 It is used to explain optical properties of solids.
 It is used to verify Ohm’s law.
 It is used to explain electrical and thermal conductivities of metals.
 It is used to derive Wiedemann – Franz law.

24BSPH203 – PHYSICS FOR INFORMATION SCIENCE Page 1


11. What are the demerits of classical free electron theory of solids?
 The photoelectric effect, Compton effect and black body radiation cannot be
explained.
 The electrical and thermal conductivity of semiconductor and insulator cannot be
explained.
 Dual nature of light could not be explained.
 According to this theory, the value of specific heat capacity of a metal is 4.5 R. But the
experimental value is 3R.
12. Distinguish between drift velocity and thermal velocity of an electron.
S. No Drift Velocity Thermal velocity

1 Drift velocity is the average Thermal velocity is the velocity of


velocity acquired by the free an electron without any external
electron, in the presence of electric field.
field.
2 The electrons moving with drift The direction of the electrons
velocity moves in the direction moving with thermal velocity is
opposite to that of the field random.
direction.
3 The velocity is very less, say in the The velocity is very high, say in
order of 0.5 m/s. the order of 105 m/s.

13. What is Fermi-Distribution law?


It governs the energy distribution of fermions. The probability of occupancy of
electron in a given energy state is given by,
1
F (E)  ( E  EF )
1 e K BT

Where, EF - Fermi energy, KB- Boltzmann constant.


14. What are Fermions?
Fermions are elementary particles with half integral spin.
Examples: electrons, protons, neutrons etc.
They obey Fermi distribution law.
15. Define Fermi level.
It is the highest level of electron filling at 0K.
16. What is meant by Fermi energy?
It is the highest energy of the filled states at 0K.

24BSPH203 – PHYSICS FOR INFORMATION SCIENCE Page 2


17. Sketch the variation of Fermi level with temperature.

18. Define density of states. Mention it uses.


It is defined as the number of energy states in an energy range of E and E+dE per unit
volume of a metal. It is given by,
4 3 1
Z ( E )dE  3
(2m) 2 E 2 dE
h
It is used to find: i) carrier concentration
ii) Fermi energy
iii) Average energy of electrons

19. What is a periodical potential?


When an electron moves through a solid, its potential energy varies periodically with a
periodicity equal to period of space lattice ‘a’(inter atomic distance) is called periodic
potential.
20. What is an effective mass of an electron?
The mass acquired by an electron when it is accelerated in a periodical potential is
called effective mass of an electron.

24BSPH203 – PHYSICS FOR INFORMATION SCIENCE Page 3

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