The correlation between electrical and thermal conductivities in metals is fundamentally attributed to the presence of free electrons, as highlighted in the discussion. The Wiedemann-Franz law serves as an empirical relationship rather than a mechanistic explanation, indicating that both heat and electrical transport rely on the motion of these free electrons. While more complex models can describe transport phenomena, the underlying mechanism remains the movement of free electrons. Understanding this correlation is crucial for deeper insights into thermal and electrical conductivity in metallic materials.
PREREQUISITESPhysicists, materials scientists, and engineers interested in the properties of metals, particularly those focusing on electrical and thermal conductivity phenomena.
Good thing Wikipedia has that "Derivation" tab to let you know where the law comes from.bentzy said:An empirical law doesn't explain a phenomenon on its basic mechanism/s, but just gives the relation between variables.