Copper Electron Pressure: 105atm & Its Effects

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    Electron Pressure
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of electron pressure in copper, specifically addressing the claim that the pressure of electrons in copper is approximately 105 atm and questioning why these electrons do not escape from the metal. The scope includes theoretical considerations of electron behavior in solid-state physics and the implications of external potential differences.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the pressure of electrons in copper is around 105 atm and question why they do not explode out of the metal.
  • Others challenge the accuracy of the 105 atm claim, suggesting a misunderstanding of the concept.
  • It is noted that electrons are not alone in copper; the presence of positive ions is mentioned as a factor in the stability of the system.
  • Some participants clarify that the pressure of the free electron gas is related to the energy of the Fermi electron gas and not to external potential differences.
  • There is a question about the actual pressure due to conduction electrons in an ordinary wire, with some suggesting it aligns with the initial claim.
  • One participant inquires whether the positive ions could create a "negative" pressure in the system.
  • It is mentioned that the interaction between positive ions and negative electrons contributes to a stable system, which is considered in theoretical models.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity of the 105 atm pressure claim and the role of external potential differences. The discussion includes both agreement on the presence of ions and electrons in copper and disagreement on the implications of their interactions.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the definitions and assumptions related to electron pressure and the specific conditions under which these pressures are measured or calculated.

kent davidge
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The pressure of the electrons of Copper are about 105atm. Why, then, don’t the electrons in a piece of copper simply explode out of the metal?
 
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kent davidge said:
The pressure of the electrons of Copper are about 105atm. Why, then, don’t the electrons in a piece of copper simply explode out of the metal?

where did you read this ? it doesn't sound right
maybe you misunderstood what was being said
 
The electrons are not alone in the piece of Cooper, are they?
 
davenn said:
where did you read this ? it doesn't sound right
maybe you misunderstood what was being said
nasu said:
The electrons are not alone in the piece of Cooper, are they?

(Sorry for my poor English.) I was thinking of a cooper wire under a potential difference. I forgot where I read about that pressure of free electrons.
 
The pressure of the free electron gas has nothing to do with some external potential difference.
It is related to the energy of the Fermi electron gas.
You can read about it in solid state textbooks.

But a copper wire contains more than just the electron gas.
 
nasu said:
The pressure of the free electron gas has nothing to do with some external potential difference.
It is related to the energy of the Fermi electron gas.
You can read about in in solid state textbooks.

But a copper wire contains more than just the electron gas.
Ok, so how large is the pressure due the conduction electrons in a ordinary wire?
 
nasu said:
Of the order you mentioned in the OP
then why don’t the electrons explode out of the wire?
 
I asked you twice. What else is there in a piece of wire, besides the electrons?
 
  • #10
nasu said:
I asked you twice. What else is there in a piece of wire, besides the electrons?
uuh ok, I'm sorry, you mentioned that earlier. Then would the ions create a "negative" pressure?
 
  • #11
The positive ions and the negative electrons create a stable system.
This is taken into account when the electrons in the "free" electron gas are treated as particles in a box.
 
  • #12
nasu said:
The positive ions and the negative electrons create a stable system.
This is taken into account when the electrons in the "free" electron gas are treated as particles in a box.
Now I have understood it. Thank you !
 

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