Calculating molar heat capacity from electron contribution

[kent davidge]

Homework Statement

Silver has a Fermi energy of 5.48 eV. Calculate the electron contribution to the molar heat capacity at constant volume, Cv, of Silver at 300 K. Express your result as a multiple of R. Is the value of Cv due principally to the electrons? If not, to what is it due?

ans: 0.0233R

Homework Equations

I don't know.

The Attempt at a Solution

[/B]
I just don't know how to approach to this problem. Should I consider Silver as a solid? Or what? If so, then would Cv be 3R ? But how do I find a way of relate it to the energy of an electron?

 

[TSny]

I just don't know how to approach to this problem.

What type (level) of course is the problem from? Most solid state texts would cover this topic.

Should I consider Silver as a solid?

Yes, but you are interested in the contribution to C_V of just the free electrons in the solid. Have you studied the "free electron model" of metals?

Here is a concise treatment: https://web.njit.edu/~sirenko/Phys-446/Lecture7-SSP-2007.pdf You'll find a formula for calculating what you need.

If so, then would Cv be 3R ?

No. 3R is due to things inside the metal other than the electrons.