Drude model

E459580

The Drude model is a classical theory that describes the electrical and thermal properties of metals by treating conduction electrons as a gas of free, non-interacting particles undergoing random collisions.

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Statements (49)

Predicate Object
instanceOf classical theory of electrical conduction
model in solid-state physics
transport theory
appliesTo degenerate electron systems at high temperatures approximately
metals
assumes Ohm's law holds for macroscopic currents
conduction electrons behave as a classical ideal gas
constant average relaxation time between collisions
electrons are free and non-interacting
electrons undergo random collisions
basedOn classical mechanics
kinetic theory of gases
describes charge transport in metals
electrical conductivity of metals
thermal conductivity of metals
developedBy Paul Drude NERFINISHED
extendedBy Drude–Lorentz model NERFINISHED
Sommerfeld model NERFINISHED
quantum free-electron model NERFINISHED
field condensed matter physics
electromagnetism
formulates Drude conductivity formula σ = ne²τ/m
implies Hall coefficient depends on charge sign and density
electrical conductivity is proportional to electron density
electrical resistivity is inversely proportional to relaxation time
introducedInYear 1900
limitedBy failure to explain electronic heat capacity of metals
inability to explain temperature dependence of resistivity quantitatively
inaccurate prediction of Hall effect in some metals
neglect of quantum statistics
namedAfter Paul Drude NERFINISHED
predicts Ohmic conductivity
Wiedemann–Franz law qualitatively
frequency-dependent (AC) conductivity
linear relation between current density and electric field
plasma frequency of conduction electrons
skin effect qualitatively
relatedTo Boltzmann transport equation NERFINISHED
Hall effect NERFINISHED
Ohm's law NERFINISHED
Wiedemann–Franz law NERFINISHED
usedIn materials science
optical properties modeling of metals
plasma physics approximations
solid-state physics education
usesParameter electron effective mass
electron number density
electron relaxation time
mean free path

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