Fermi–Dirac statisticsStatistical description for the behavior of fermionsFermi–Dirac statistics is a type of quantum statistics that applies to the physics of a system consisting of many non-interacting, identical particles that obey the Pauli exclusion principle. A result is the Fermi–Dirac distribution of particles over energy states. It is named after Enrico Fermi and Paul Dirac, each of whom derived the distribution independently in 1926.
Drude modelThe Drude model or the Drude–Lorentz model of electrical conduction in metals was proposed in 1900 by Paul Drude, and refined by Hendrik Lorentz in 1905. The Drude model attempts to explain conduction in terms of the scattering of electrons (the carriers of electricity) by the relatively immobile ions in the metal that act like obstructions to the flow of electrons. The model is an application of kinetic theory.
Solid-state physicsSolid-state physics is the study of rigid matter, or solids, through methods such as solid-state chemistry, quantum mechanics, crystallography, electromagnetism, and metallurgy. It is the largest branch of condensed matter physics. Solid-state physics studies how the large-scale properties of solid materials result from their atomic-scale properties. Thus, solid-state physics forms a theoretical basis of materials science.
Arnold SommerfeldArnold Johannes Wilhelm Sommerfeld (German:; 5 December 1868 – 26 April 1951) was a German theoretical physicist who pioneered developments in both atomic and quantum physics, and also educated and mentored many students for the new era of theoretical physics. Sommerfeld served as doctoral advisor and postdoctoral advisor to seven Nobel Prize winners and supervised at least 30 other famous physicists and chemists.
MetalType of materialIron, shown here as fragments and a 1 cm cube, is an example of a chemical element that is a metal.Metal in the form of a gravy boat made from stainless steel, an alloy largely composed of iron, chromium and nickelA metal (from Ancient Greek μέταλλον (métallon) 'mine, quarry, metal') is a material that, when polished or fractured, shows a lustrous appearance, and conducts electricity and heat relatively well.
DiamagnetismDiamagnetism is a form of magnetic response in materials that describes the property being repelled by an applied magnetic field; application of such creates in them an induced magnetic field in the opposite direction, thus causing a repulsive force. In contrast, paramagnetic and ferromagnetic materials are attracted by a magnetic field.
Quantum mechanicsDescription of physical properties at the atomic and subatomic scaleWave functions of the electron in a hydrogen atom at different energy levels. Quantum mechanics cannot predict the exact location of a particle in space, only the probability of finding it at different locations.
Alkali metalGroup of highly reactive chemical elementsnoble gases ← → alkaline earth metalsFrancium is here represented by Uraninite (uranium ore mostly composed of uranium dioxide (UO2), which contains U, which then decays into francium among other things.Charge carrierIn solid state physics, a charge carrier is a particle or quasiparticle that is free to move, carrying an electric charge, especially the particles that carry electric charges in electrical conductors. Examples are electrons, ions and holes. In a conducting medium, an electric field can exert force on these free particles, causing a net motion of the particles through the medium; this is what constitutes an electric current.
Classical physicsClassical physics consists of scientific theories in the field of physics that are non-quantum or both non-quantum and non-relativistic, depending on the context. In historical discussions, classical physics refers to pre-1900 physics, while modern physics refers to post-1900 physics, which incorporates elements of quantum mechanics and the theory of relativity.
Noble metalA noble metal is a metallic chemical element that is resistant to corrosion and is usually found in nature in its raw form. Gold, platinum, and the other platinum group metals (ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium) are most often so classified. Silver, copper, and mercury are sometimes included as noble metals, but each of these usually occurs in nature combined with sulfur.
IonAn ion () is an atom or molecule with a net electrical charge. The charge of an electron is considered to be negative by convention and this charge is equal and opposite to the charge of a proton, which is considered to be positive by convention. The net charge of an ion is not zero because its total number of electrons is unequal to its total number of protons.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.