Fermi distribution of 3s electrons of sodium

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the fraction of 3s electrons in sodium within an energy range of k_b*T below the Fermi level, specifically at room temperature (T = 300 K) with a Fermi level of 3.2 eV. The Fermi-Dirac distribution function, F(E) = 1 / {exp((E-E_f)/k_b*T) + 1}, is utilized to derive the fraction. The correct answer is determined to be approximately 0.88, which is obtained by evaluating the distribution at E_F - 2kT, contrary to the initial misunderstanding that led to an answer of 0.73.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Fermi-Dirac statistics
  • Knowledge of thermodynamic concepts, particularly k_b (Boltzmann constant)
  • Familiarity with energy levels in solid-state physics
  • Ability to perform exponential calculations and manipulations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of Fermi-Dirac distribution in semiconductor physics
  • Learn about the Boltzmann constant and its role in thermal energy calculations
  • Explore the concept of electron density of states in metals
  • Investigate the effects of temperature on electron distributions in solids
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, materials scientists, and anyone studying electronic properties of metals, particularly in the context of solid-state physics and thermodynamics.

N8
Messages
6
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



What fraction of the 3s-electrons of sodium is found within an energy k_b*T below the Fermi level? (Take room temperature at T= 300k) Fermi level for Na is 3.2 eV

Homework Equations



F(E) = 1 / {exp((E-E_f)/k_b*T) + 1}

The Attempt at a Solution



From what I can tell, do not need to know room temp, or even sodium's fermi level. Simply do (E=Ef-k_b*T) solve through and obtain 1/((e^-1)+1) which ends up being approximately 0.73.

However, book states the answer is 0.88. Why is this? I do not understand where I am going wrong. Any help would be much appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The question is very vaguely worded. I thought at first it meant to integrate the Fermi-Dirac distribution between 3.2-0.025 eV and 3.2+0.025 eV (fraction of electrons within ##kT## of the Fermi energy), but the answer is much too small. I happened to stumble on the fact that
$$\frac{1}{e^{-2}+1}=0.88$$
In other words, the answer they’re asking for is the average number of electrons with an energy of ##E_F-2kT##. I’m not sure if there’s another way to get at the desired answer, or another way to interpret the question. I admit, I’m very confused by it.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Delta2

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K