In the classical free-electron theory of metals,
A)a metal is pictured as a regular three-dimensional array of atoms or ions.
B)a metal contains a large number of electrons that are free to move throughout the whole metal.
C)thermal equilibrium is maintained by collisions of electrons with the lattice ions.
D)electrons in the absence of an electric field move about the metal much as gas molecules move in a container.
E)All of these are true.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The classical free-electron theory of metals includes all these concepts: a metal's structure as a three-dimensional array of atoms or ions, the presence of free electrons moving throughout the metal, the maintenance of thermal equilibrium through electron collisions with lattice ions, and the behavior of electrons moving similarly to gas molecules in a container in the absence of an electric field.

In the Classical Free-Electron Theory of Metals