The free-electron model of metals gives a good account of electrical conduction if A)the classical mean speed v_av is replaced by the Fermi speed u_F. B)the collisions between electrons and the lattice ions are interpreted in terms of the scattering of electron waves. C)the collisions between electrons and the lattice ions are interpreted in terms of the scattering of hard spheres. D)the classical mean speed v_av is retained in the model and the collisions between electrons and the lattice ions are interpreted in terms of the scattering of electron waves. E)the classical mean speed v_av is replaced by the Fermi speed u_F and the collisions between electrons and the lattice ions are interpreted in terms of the scattering of electron waves.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The free-electron model of metals gives a good account of electrical conduction if the classical mean speed v is replaced by the Fermi speed u F and the collisions between electrons and the lattice ions are interpreted in terms of the scattering of electron waves. This is because the free-electron model describes metals as a collection of electrons moving in a lattice of positively charged ions, and the electrons are treated as free particles. Therefore, the Fermi speed, which is the speed of an electron at the Fermi energy level, is a better measure of electron motion than the classical mean speed. Additionally, the collisions between electrons and the lattice ions are better described in terms of wave scattering rather than hard-sphere collisions.

The Free-Electron Model of Metals Gives a Good Account of Electrical