A Electrical & thermal conductivities

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The discussion centers on the correlation between electrical and thermal conductivities in metals, emphasizing that the Wiedemann-Franz law is an empirical observation rather than a fundamental explanation. The relationship is attributed to the movement of free electrons, which facilitate both heat and electrical transport. While more complex models can be applied, the underlying mechanism remains the presence of these free electrons. The conversation highlights the distinction between empirical laws and the deeper mechanisms that govern physical phenomena. Ultimately, the correlation is fundamentally linked to the behavior of free electrons in metals.
bentzy
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What's the mechanism underlying the correlation between electrical & thermal conductivities in metals ?
What's the mechanism underlying the correlation between electrical & thermal conductivities in metals ?
 
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Wiedemann-Franz law is not the mechanism, but, rather, an empirical fact. An empirical law doesn't explain a phenomenon on its basic mechanism/s, but just gives the relation between variables. In other words, it is the result of, not its cause.
 
The relationship is based upon the fact that heat and electrical transport both involve the free electrons in the metal.
 
Right. Both are based on the motion of (nearly) free electrons (mostly). This is of course known. My question aims at the deeper level of the mechanism itself, which make up the overall picture of transport.
 
The fact that the electrons are free to move IS the mechanism in this case(!)
Of course you can use more realistic (and complicated) models for the transport; but ultimately the correlation is due to the presence of free electrons; it is not more complicated than that.
 
bentzy said:
An empirical law doesn't explain a phenomenon on its basic mechanism/s, but just gives the relation between variables.
Good thing Wikipedia has that "Derivation" tab to let you know where the law comes from.