The discussion centers on the quantum mechanical derivation of Ohm's Law, highlighting the limitations of classical models like the Drude model. The Drude-Sommerfeld model introduces wave-like behavior of electrons, while the nearly free electron model further explains the temperature dependence of resistivity, which classical theories fail to address. Participants emphasize understanding conduction from a quantum perspective rather than focusing solely on derivations.
PREREQUISITESStudents of physics, particularly those studying electricity and magnetism, as well as researchers interested in the quantum mechanical foundations of electrical conduction.
johnathon said:I'm watching MIT 8.02 electricity and magnetism () and the lecturer says that there is a derivation of ohm's law but it uses quantum mechanics which is outside the scope of the course. Does anybody know of this derivation and can point me to it? I searched around but can't find anything
physwizard said:the basic model for conduction is the drude model. this assumes that electrons behave like billiard balls. this is enough to prove ohms law. the quantum model is the drude-sommerfield model. here electrons behave like waves and scatter off impurity atoms. then there is a more advanced model call nearly free electron model. anyways the quantum theory successfully explains the temperature dependence of resistivity which the classical drude model is not able to . i would say not to bother with derivations, the important thing is to understand how conduction happens from the quantum mechanical perspective.