Debye's T^3 Law: Specific heat, Latice and Electronic terms

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on Debye's T^3 Law, specifically the temperature dependence of specific heat in solids. The specific heat equation for low temperatures is defined as C = (12NkBπ4/5)(T/θD)³, while for high temperatures, it is C = 3NkB. Participants explored the electronic contribution to specific heat, represented as Ce = (π²/3)g(EF)kB²T, and discussed the challenges in extracting lattice contributions. The absence of a linear T term in the C/T vs T² graph indicates no contribution from conduction electrons, affirming the relevance of Debye's model.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Debye's T^3 Law and its implications on specific heat
  • Familiarity with statistical mechanics concepts, particularly heat capacity
  • Knowledge of electronic contributions to specific heat, including the term γ
  • Ability to interpret and analyze graphs related to thermodynamic properties
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the derivation of Debye's model for specific heat in solids
  • Study the relationship between lattice vibrations and specific heat
  • Learn about the significance of the Fermi energy (EF) in electronic contributions to specific heat
  • Explore experimental methods for measuring specific heat in materials at low temperatures
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in solid-state physics, materials science, and thermodynamics, particularly those focusing on specific heat and thermal properties of materials.

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Homework Statement



QUESTION ADDED AS ATTACHMENT AS NEED TO SEE GRAPH.
Screen Shot 2015-05-06 at 11.59.52.png

Homework Equations


C = (12NkBπ4/5)(T/θD)3 for T<<θD
C = 3NkB for T>>θD

The Attempt at a Solution


a.)[/B] So I assume the expression for the specific heat as a function of temperature that the question must want:
C = (12NkBπ4/5)(T/θD)3
otherwise I thought that the specific heat wasn't dependent on temperature?

The second part of this question really stumped me. I have looked though all of the books in my university library that aren't currently on loan, of which few relevant ones are left for some reason, and can't find anything that helps me extract lattice and electronic terms in the specific heat. Does anyone have any Ideas?

EDIT: Just found something that shows the electronic contribution:
Ce = (π2/3)g(EFkb2T = γT

Therefore the electronic contribution = γ = (π2/3)(3NA/2EF)kB2

Still not sure on the lattice part.
\EDITb.) I think I can do.

c.) The low temperature heat capacity for KCl plotted as to demonstrate the T3 law at low temperatures. The fact that the graph of C/T vs T2 goes through the origin indicates the absence of a term linear in T. I.e there is no contribution to the energy via conduction electrons.

Am I along the right lines here?
 
Last edited:
how did you do part b?
 
γ is taken as the y intercept on the graph. Then rearrange the electronic contribution formula for EF.
 
also the lattice term is just C for low temperature, so the term you have written for C
 

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