Free electrons at zero kelvin?

In summary, at zero kelvin, free electrons have zero energy but can still move under the influence of an electric field. However, they are not truly free if they are attracted to a positive potential. At zero kelvin, the conduction electrons in a metal's band structure are still free to move in the conduction band.
  • #1
chewchun
24
0
At zero kelvin,are there free electrons?

At zero kelvin,the free electrons should have ZERO energy.But they are able to move under the influence of a electric field?
But when they are attracted towards the positive potential shouldn't they gain K.E? So they are moving at zero kelvin?
 
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  • #2
you cannot send fermions at such temperature (they won't ever reach 0 K), just because they are fermions and must obey Pauli's exclusion principle they will have energy from that...
 
  • #3
Zero temperature just means that all particles reach the lowest-possible states. In terms of fermions, they still have energy compared to the ground-state, but this energy does not contribute to temperature.
Note that this definition does not include any "velocity". You can have a collection of electrons at (close to) zero temperature, moving in one direction in your lab.
 
  • #4
chewchun said:
At zero kelvin,are there free electrons?

At zero kelvin,the free electrons should have ZERO energy.But they are able to move under the influence of a electric field?
But when they are attracted towards the positive potential shouldn't they gain K.E? So they are moving at zero kelvin?

I do not understand your issue here. By definition, free electrons as ... FREE! If they are attracted to a "positive potential", then they are NOT free electrons in the first place!

So are they free, or aren't they? And where are these "free electrons" that you are considering? A metal? A metal's band structure is often calculated at 0 K! So the conduction electrons are in the conduction band at 0 K! They are free to move!

Zz.
 
  • #5


At zero kelvin, the free electrons in a material would have very little kinetic energy due to the absence of thermal energy. However, they would still possess some amount of potential energy and can be influenced by an electric field. The movement of these electrons would be restricted to the direction of the electric field, and they would not gain any kinetic energy unless the temperature increases. Therefore, it is possible for free electrons to move at zero kelvin, but their movement would be limited and they would not gain any kinetic energy.
 

Related to Free electrons at zero kelvin?

What is the concept of "free electrons at zero kelvin"?

The concept of "free electrons at zero kelvin" refers to the behavior of electrons in a material when it is at absolute zero temperature, which is 0 Kelvin or -273.15 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, the electrons have minimal thermal energy and are essentially motionless, allowing for a clearer understanding of their behavior and properties.

How do free electrons behave at zero kelvin?

At zero kelvin, free electrons behave as a quantum mechanical system, exhibiting wave-like properties instead of behaving like classical particles. They occupy discrete energy levels, and their motion is described by the Schrödinger equation.

What is the significance of studying free electrons at zero kelvin?

Studying free electrons at zero kelvin allows us to better understand the fundamental behavior and properties of electrons, which play a crucial role in various physical and chemical processes. This knowledge can also help in the development of new technologies and materials.

Can free electrons exist at zero kelvin?

Yes, free electrons can exist at zero kelvin as long as the material they are in has not reached a state of absolute zero. However, since electrons cannot come to a complete stop due to the uncertainty principle, they will still have some minimal motion even at 0 Kelvin.

How does temperature affect free electrons?

As temperature increases, the thermal energy of free electrons also increases, causing them to move more rapidly and occupy higher energy levels. This can affect the conductivity and other properties of materials, which is why studying free electrons at zero kelvin can provide valuable insights into their behavior at different temperatures.

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