Density of States for Electrons in Metal: Exploring the 2

In summary, an expert summarizer of content would say that the quantized energy for electrons in metal would be given by
  • #1
KFC
488
4
Consider electrons in metal as a quantum ideal gas, the quantized energy would be

[tex]
E(n_x, n_y, n_z) = \frac{h^2}{8m}\left(\frac{n_x^2}{L_x^2} + \frac{n_y^2}{L_y^2} + \frac{n_z^2}{L_z^2}\right)
[/tex]

Now, letting

[tex]
\alpha = \frac{n_x}{L_x}, \qquad \beta = \frac{n_y}{L_y}, \qquad \gamma = \frac{n_z}{L_z}
[/tex]

and

[tex]
\rho^2 = \alpha^2 + \beta^2 + \gamma^2
[/tex]

and setting up an coordinate with [tex]\alpha, \beta, \gamma[/tex]. One could see that the volume b/w E-E+dE is proportional to the volume b/w [tex]\rho - \rho + d\rho[/tex]

Note that the volume within [tex]\rho - \rho + d\rho[/tex] is just one-eighth of the volume of the spherical shell with thickness [tex]d\rho[/tex], namely,

[tex]V_\rho = \frac{4\pi \rho^2 d\rho}{8}[/tex]

Hence, the density of states within [tex]\rho - \rho + d\rho[/tex] becomes

[tex]N(\rho)d\rho = \frac{V_\rho}{\textnormal{volume per state}} = \frac{4\pi\rho^2d\rho /8}{1/V} = \frac{\pi V \rho^2 d\rho}{2} [/tex]

Well, we know that

[tex]E = \frac{h^2}{8m}\rho^2[/tex]

in addition

[tex]
N(\rho)d\rho = N(E)dE
[/tex]

which gives

[tex]
N(E) = \frac{1}{2}\frac{\pi V}{2}\left(\frac{8m}{h^2}\right)^{3/2}\sqrt{E}
[/tex]

But the correct answer for density of state in energy should be (two times of the above reuslt), i.e.

[tex]
N(E) = \frac{\pi V}{2}\left(\frac{8m}{h^2}\right)^{3/2}\sqrt{E}
[/tex]

Where is the '2' come from?

Someone suggests

[tex]N(\rho)d\rho = 2\times\frac{\pi V \rho^2 d\rho}{2} [/tex]

This will give the correct answer, but where is "2" come form?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Each electron has two possible spin states.
 
  • #3
Avodyne said:
Each electron has two possible spin states.

Oh, how can I forget that! Thanks a lot :)
 
  • #4
Can someone help me calculating the density of states from phonon dispersion relations.
I have computed the phonon dispersion relations from considering the vibrations of crystals. Now as a next step, i want to compute the density of states. not sure how.
many thanks in advance for your help
 

1. What is the density of states for electrons in metal?

The density of states for electrons in metal refers to the number of states available for electrons to occupy in a given energy range. It is a measure of the availability of energy states for electrons within a metal.

2. How is the density of states for electrons in metal calculated?

The density of states for electrons in metal can be calculated using the following formula: D(E) = (8πm/h^2)^(3/2) * √E, where m is the mass of the electron, h is Planck's constant, and E is the energy level. This formula takes into account the three-dimensional nature of the metal and the fact that the states are evenly distributed in energy.

3. What factors affect the density of states for electrons in metal?

The density of states for electrons in metal can be affected by factors such as temperature, external magnetic fields, and the type of metal. The density of states generally increases with increasing temperature and decreasing external magnetic fields.

4. How does the density of states for electrons in metal impact the material's properties?

The density of states for electrons in metal is closely related to the material's properties, such as electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity. A higher density of states means there are more available states for electrons to move through, resulting in higher conductivity.

5. Can the density of states for electrons in metal be manipulated?

Yes, the density of states for electrons in metal can be manipulated through various methods, such as doping with impurities or applying external forces like pressure or electric fields. These methods can change the energy levels and distribution of states, altering the material's properties.

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
1
Views
657
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
3
Views
743
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
16
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
609
Replies
2
Views
152
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
63
Views
2K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
6
Views
810
Back
Top