Resistivity mean free path and scattering time of copper

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on estimating the electron mean free path in copper at low temperatures, given a residual resistance ratio of 1000. The electrical conductivity of copper at room temperature is 105 Ohm-1 cm-1, with an electron density of 1023 cm-3 and a Fermi velocity of 106 m/s. The mean free path is calculated using the relationship between scattering time and electron velocity, with the scattering time at absolute zero determined to be 10-11 seconds based on the typical value of 10-14 seconds at room temperature. The Fermi velocity remains approximately constant across the temperature range discussed.

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  • Understanding of electrical conductivity and resistivity in metals
  • Familiarity with the concepts of electron density and Fermi velocity
  • Knowledge of scattering time and its significance in solid-state physics
  • Basic grasp of Boltzmann's constant and its application in thermal physics
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Physicists, materials scientists, and electrical engineers interested in the properties of metals at varying temperatures, particularly those focusing on copper's electrical characteristics.

SMC
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so this is the question I'm having a little trouble with:

Assume that the ratio of copper resistivity at room and absolute zero temperatures (so called "residual resistance ratio") is 1000. Estimate the electron mean free path in copper at low temperatures.

we also know this:

Let us assume that at room temperature copper has the electrical conductivity of 105 Ohm-1 cm-1 , and that its electron density is 1023 cm-3 and its Fermi velocity is 106 m/s.

so i know: mean free path = scattering time x velocity of electron
and velocity of electron can be approximated to fermi velocity

the question tells us: resistivity(room temp)/resistivity(T=0)=1000

resistivity in inversely proportional to scattering time so: scattering time(T=0)/scattering time(room temp)=1000

now my lecture notes say the typical value for scattering time in a metal (i assume at room temp.) is 10-14 seconds
so scattering time(T=0) is 1000 x 10-14=10-11 seconds right?

i also know from lecture notes that vf = \sqrt{\frac{2kTf}{m}} and typical value for fremi velocity in metals is 106 m/s. (k is Boltzmann constant and Tf is fermi temp. )

but how do i find the value of vf for low temp?

ps sorry i haven't used latex in a while so I'm not really sure why the expression for fermi velocity isn't showing correctly
 
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The fermi velocity is far above thermal velocities, it won't change significantly between absolute zero and room temperature.
SMC said:
now my lecture notes say the typical value for scattering time in a metal (i assume at room temp.) is 10-14 seconds
I'm not sure if you are supposed to use this. That would ignore the copper-specific values for conductivity and electron density.
 

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