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Density of States and Fermi Energy |
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Free electron theory can be used to explain, reasonably satisfactorily, several qualitative properties of metals, such as, thermal and electrical conductivity, magnetic properties, heat capacity etc. However, as the theory totally ignores the crystalline structure of metals, it fails to provide a distinction between metals, semiconductors and insulators. The atoms in a crystal are arranged in a periodic arrangement. Consequently, the electrons in the crystal are subject to a periodic potential rather than a uniform potential assumed in the free electron model. If this potential is assumed to be weak, the electrons do not become completely free but nearly so. The model is known as nearly free electron model. |
