Do Electrons Change Location as Temperature Approaches 0K?

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    Confusion Electrons
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the behavior of electrons as the temperature approaches absolute zero (0K), specifically whether their locations become more predictable or concentrated in certain areas. The scope includes theoretical considerations regarding free electrons versus bound electrons in solids.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether electrons become more likely to be found in certain places as temperature approaches 0K.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on whether the discussion pertains to free electrons or electrons in solids.
  • A participant suggests that if electrons are completely free, their location is determined by initial conditions and velocities, implying no specific location preference at 0K.
  • In contrast, it is proposed that bound electrons in a potential well are more likely to be found near the minimum of that potential as temperature approaches 0K.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the behavior of free versus bound electrons, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not clarify the assumptions regarding the systems being considered, nor does it resolve the implications of temperature on electron behavior in different contexts.

SD das
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Do electrons become more likely to be found in certain places as the temperature approaches 0K?
 
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Free electrons? Electrons in solids?
 
DrClaude said:
Free electrons? Electrons in solids?
Yepp?
 
SD das said:
Yepp?
I was asking for a clarification of which system you are thinking about.
 
DrClaude said:
I was asking for a clarification of which system you are thinking about.
Free electrons
 
If they are completely free there is no reason for them to be in some particular place - their location will just depend on where you put them and their velocities.

If you have bound electrons in some potential, at 0 K in general they are more likely to be closer to a minimum of the potential.
 

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