Electron In conduction band at 0K

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the behavior of electrons in the conduction band of metals at absolute zero (0K), exploring concepts related to energy states, electron mobility, and the implications of quantum mechanics versus classical physics in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question why electrons can exist in the conduction band at 0K, suggesting that all electrons should lose energy and be in a ground state.
  • Others argue that at 0K, electrons are indeed in their ground state but can still move, emphasizing that classical physics does not apply to electrons at this temperature.
  • One participant states that the Fermi function would not allow any electrons to be in the conduction band at 0K, challenging the idea of conduction electrons being present.
  • Another participant explains that metals lack a forbidden band between the valence and conduction bands, allowing for mobile charge carriers at any temperature.
  • There is a discussion about the nature of conduction electrons, with some asserting that they are not free to move everywhere despite being in the conduction band.
  • Participants mention the concept of tunneling and how it allows electrons to share states among atoms, even without thermal energy.
  • Questions arise regarding the implications of tunnel effects and whether electrons in the conduction band can be considered free from the attractive forces of the nucleus.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the behavior of electrons at 0K, with no consensus reached on whether conduction electrons can exist in the conduction band or the implications of classical versus quantum descriptions of electron behavior.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference concepts such as the Fermi function, energy diagrams, and orbital hybridization, indicating a reliance on specific definitions and assumptions that may not be universally agreed upon.

Outrageous
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Electrons in the conduction band of metal will be attracted by the nucleus of atom?
I wonder why there can be electron in the conduction band of metal at 0K .At 0K , all electron should lose its energy as(3/2)kT=0.
Thank you
 
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Outrageous said:
Electrons in the conduction band of metal will be attracted by the nucleus of atom?
I wonder why there can be electron in the conduction band of metal at 0K .At 0K , all electron should lose its energy as(3/2)kT=0.
Thank you

No, at 0K all electrons are in their ground-state. This does not mean that they can't move.
You can't use classical physics in this case, electrons at 0K are most definitely not classical.
 
Usually, you cannot say anything about force of attraction b/w electron and nucleus from the energy diagram. Conduction electron does not mean they are free to go everywhere.

At 0K, fermi function won't allow any electrons to be in conduction band.

PS: Where do you find these outrageous ideas?
 
What defines a metal is that it doesn't have a forbidden band between a full valence and an empty conduction band. The shape of its bands means that the Fermi level passes right through one band. So at whatever temperature, you have always mobile charge carriers available in a metal.

Also, only deep orbital electrons are local to one atom. Valence, conduction or metallic electrons (or better, electronic states) are shared among all atoms, even without thermal energy, because of the tunnel effect.

It's just like in any chemical bond, where electrons are shared - by tunnel effect on the part of the bond orbital where the energy is positive.
 
f95toli said:
No, at 0K all electrons are in their ground-state. This does not mean that they can't move.
You can't use classical physics in this case, electrons at 0K are most definitely not classical.
You mean (3/2)kT is classical? then I have study modern physics only can understand :Why At 0K ,electrons in ground state still can orbit ?

Kholdstare said:
Usually, you cannot say anything about force of attraction b/w electron and nucleus from the energy diagram. Conduction electron does not mean they are free to go everywhere.

At 0K, fermi function won't allow any electrons to be in conduction band.

PS: Where do you find these outrageous ideas?

But at 0K the electron of metal can be in conduction band.
I am sorry if I have asked stupid questions.

Thanks for replying.
 
Dont be sorry. You did not ask a stupid question. But people usually don't think this stuffs.

(3/2)kT is energy due to three degrees of freedom of a particle. So, yeah it is classical.
In modern view, (I'm not sure) this view is not used widely.
 
Enthalpy said:
Also, only deep orbital electrons are local to one atom. Valence, conduction or metallic electrons (or better, electronic states) are shared among all atoms, even without thermal energy, because of the tunnel effect.

It's just like in any chemical bond, where electrons are shared - by tunnel effect on the part of the bond orbital where the energy is positive.

Thanks
What does"on the part of the bond orbital " mean?
At 0K electron can orbit the nucleus because of tunnel effect?
Want to make sure:Can I say any electrons in conduction band are free from attractive force of nucleus?
 
Outrageous said:
Thanks
What does"on the part of the bond orbital " mean?
At 0K electron can orbit the nucleus because of tunnel effect?
Want to make sure:Can I say any electrons in conduction band are free from attractive force of nucleus?

You have to understand orbital hybridization and chemical bonding to understand that in detail. Simply put when a electron is in an energy level and there's little distance to the adjacent energy level, the electron can tunnel through the gap between those two energy levels and occupy the second energy state. But remember that, these two energy levels have same energy and are separated in space and NOT separated in energy as in energy diagram.
 
"Two energy levels have same energy and are separated in space " refers to orbital hybridization .
This is the answer for explaining why even without thermal energy ,electrons can still stay as conduction or metallic electrons?

Enthalpy said:
Valence, conduction or metallic electrons (or better, electronic states) are shared among all atoms, even without thermal energy, because of the tunnel effect.

It's just like in any chemical bond, where electrons are shared - by tunnel effect on the part of the bond orbital where the energy is positive.
 

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