Are the electrons moving like this in conductor with current?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

In conductors, electrons are not bound to individual atoms but are nearly free, allowing them to move throughout the material. This movement is influenced by the periodic potential created by atomic nuclei. The dynamics of these conduction electrons can be described through classical models, particularly the concept of "drift." Understanding this phenomenon requires knowledge of solid state physics and quantum mechanics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Solid state physics fundamentals
  • Basic quantum mechanics principles
  • Understanding of electron behavior in conductors
  • Familiarity with classical models of electron movement
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of electron drift in conductors
  • Research solid state physics textbooks for in-depth understanding
  • Explore quantum mechanics related to electron mobility
  • Examine classical models of conduction electron dynamics
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, electrical engineering, and materials science who are interested in the behavior of electrons in conductive materials.

scientist91
Messages
133
Reaction score
0
Are the electrons moving like this in conductor with current? I mean are they jumping from atom to atom (roughly said)? Why they are jumping from outer orbital to outer orbital when all outer orbitals in all of the atoms in conductor have same energy? Look the picture. Imagine that, the electron is jumping from atom to atom (infinite number of atoms). http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/5827/electrongy4.gif"
 

Attachments

  • electron.gif
    electron.gif
    17.1 KB · Views: 3,485
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
I know that people here have told you this before, but in a *conductor*, the outermost electrons are *nearly free* electrons, meaning that they are not bound to any particular atom, but are free to move about through the material. That having been said, their dynamics are affected by the presence of the periodic potential due to the nuclei. This falls into the realm of solid state physics, which is quite complicated and requires some knowledge of quantum mechanics. That having been said, there are some classical models that talk about the movement of conduction electrons (known as "drift"), and you should look them up (in books, not online!)
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
555
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
7K
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
5K
Replies
3
Views
2K