Free-electron theory of metals: If a metal had a Fermi level (energy) of 5.0 eV, what would be the average energy of the electrons at 0 K?
A) 8.0 eV
B) 6.0 eV
C) 3.0 eV
D) 0.00 eV
E) 5.0 eV

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the free-electron theory of metals, the average energy of electrons at 0 K is given by $E_{avg} = \frac{3}{5}E_F$, where $E_F$ is the Fermi energy. For a Fermi energy of 5.0 eV, the average energy would be $3/5 \times 5.0 \, \text{eV} = 3.0 \, \text{eV}$.

Free-Electron Theory of Metals: If a Metal Had a Fermi