Can someone explain why a material that is supposed to be conductive imply?

In summary, FeO is a transition-metal monoxide that is a Mott insulator, meaning it should conduct electricity but becomes an insulator at low temperatures. This material is important for both solid-state physics and Earth science, but the origin of a high-pressure-induced structural distortion in FeO has not been well understood despite decades of study. This distortion changes the original cubic structure to a rhomboid shape. The speaker is confused by the use of the word "measured" and asks for clarification on what this means and how it affects current theories. The suggested reading material provides more information on Mott insulators and includes instructive slides on the topic.
  • #1
fellupahill
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(PhysOrg.com) -- The transition-metal monoxide FeO is an archetypal example of a Mott insulator—a material that should conduct electricity under conventional band theories but becomes an insulator when measured, especially at low temperatures—and a major iron-bearing component of the Earth’s interior. Understanding the high-pressure behavior of this material is important for both solid-state physics and Earth science. But despite considerable study over the past 30 years, the origin of the well-known high-pressure-induced cubic-rhombohedral ferroic transition in FeO, which is a distortion of the original cubic structure to that of as rhomboid shape, has been not well understood.

Source.

Can someone explain what this means?

It seems like it would be a big deal if something that should be a conductor, wasn't. But the word "measured" gets me confused. I start think of quantum mechanics, and maybe I am right to do so, but not sure so just a clarification of what's going on here if someone doesn't mind. And please include what this means for our current theories. For example what changes are going to have to be made, if any?

Btw/ I am asking a question, not speculating.
 
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  • #2

Related to Can someone explain why a material that is supposed to be conductive imply?

1. Can you explain why some materials are conductive while others are not?

Conductivity is the ability of a material to allow the flow of electric current. Materials that have free electrons, such as metals, are good conductors because the electrons can easily move through the material. On the other hand, materials with tightly bound electrons, like rubber or plastic, are insulators and do not allow electric current to flow.

2. How is conductivity related to the atomic structure of a material?

Conductivity is determined by the arrangement and behavior of electrons in the atomic structure of a material. In conductors, the outermost electrons are loosely bound to the atoms and can easily move around, while in insulators, the electrons are tightly bound and cannot move freely.

3. What factors affect the conductivity of a material?

The conductivity of a material can be influenced by various factors, such as temperature, impurities, and the physical structure of the material. Higher temperatures can increase the movement of electrons, leading to higher conductivity, while impurities can disrupt the flow of electrons and decrease conductivity. The structure of a material can also affect its conductivity, with materials that have a more ordered and uniform structure being better conductors.

4. Is there a limit to the conductivity of a material?

Yes, there is a limit to the conductivity of a material. This limit is known as the maximum conductivity and is determined by the properties of the material, such as the number of free electrons and their mobility. For example, metals have a higher maximum conductivity than semiconductors.

5. How is conductivity measured and expressed?

Conductivity is typically measured in units of siemens per meter (S/m) or mho per meter (℧/m). It can be measured using a conductivity meter, which applies an electric field to a material and measures the resulting current. The higher the current, the higher the conductivity of the material. Conductivity is also commonly expressed as the reciprocal of resistivity, with higher conductivity corresponding to lower resistivity values.

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