Energy levels and density of states in one, two and three dimensions, electrical and thermal conductivities, Wiedemann–Franz law - One Line Questions

1. In 3D, if the number of electrons per unit volume is n, the Fermi energy E_F is related to n by n ∝ E_F^(3/2). If n doubles, E_F changes by a factor of: 2^(2/3)
2. The proportionality constant in the Wiedemann–Franz law is known as the Lorenz number (L). What is its approximate value at room temperature for many metals? 2.44 × 10⁻⁸ W Ω K⁻²
3. The Lorenz number L = κ / (σT). If the Wiedemann–Franz law holds, L should be: A constant, independent of material and temperature.
4. An increase in impurity concentration in a metal typically leads to: A decrease in electrical conductivity.
5. The Fermi energy (E_F) is the highest occupied energy level at absolute zero temperature. How does the density of states near E_F influence properties? A higher DOS at E_F leads to higher electronic contributions to specific heat and conductivity.
6. Consider a 1D system where E = Ak. The density of states g(E) is proportional to: Constant
7. In a 2D system with E ∝ k², the density of states g(E) is: Constant
8. For a 2D square lattice with lattice constant 'a', and free electrons, the density of states per unit area is approximately: Constant, independent of energy
9. If the temperature of a metal is increased, its electrical conductivity generally: Decreases due to increased lattice scattering.
10. In a 2D electron gas, the density of states is constant. If the number of states per unit area up to energy E is N_s(E), then N_s(E) is proportional to: E
11. For a free electron model in 1D, the dispersion relation is E(k) = ħ²k²/2m. The allowed values of k are quantized with spacing Δk = 2π/L, where L is the length of the system. The density of states per unit length is proportional to: E^(-1/2)
12. Consider a 1D chain of N atoms, each contributing one free electron. If the length of the chain is L, the density of states per unit length in energy E is proportional to: E^(-1/2)
13. In 3D, if the energy E is related to the wavevector k by E = ħ²k²/2m, and we consider a volume V, the density of states g(E) is proportional to: E^(1/2)
14. The density of states in 3D for free electrons is g(E) = C E^(1/2). If the maximum energy is E_max, the total number of electrons in a volume V is proportional to: E_max^(3/2)
15. The Wiedemann–Franz law establishes a relationship between which two transport properties of metals? Electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity.
16. The Wiedemann–Franz law is generally a good approximation for metals at temperatures where which mechanism dominates heat transport? Electron transport
17. At room temperature, the thermal conductivity of a metal is primarily due to: Electrons
18. The Wiedemann–Franz law is a consequence of the fact that: Electrons are the primary carriers of both heat and charge in metals.
19. What is the fundamental concept behind energy levels in solids? Electrons occupy discrete, quantized energy states.
20. In metals, which charge carriers are primarily responsible for both electrical and thermal conductivity? Free electrons
21. In a 1D system, if the energy E is related to the wavevector k by E = ħ²k²/2m, what is the form of g(E)? g(E) = (L/π) * (m/2ħ²E)^(1/2)
22. In a three-dimensional system of free electrons, what is the relationship between the density of states g(E) and energy E? g(E) ∝ E^(1/2)
23. For a two-dimensional free electron gas, how does the density of states vary with energy E? g(E) is independent of E
24. In a one-dimensional system, how does the density of states typically vary with energy E, assuming a simple free electron model? g(E) is proportional to E^(-1/2)
25. Thermal conductivity (κ) in metals is significantly contributed by electrons. A higher electron mobility implies: Higher thermal conductivity.
26. The density of states function g(E) tells us: How many quantum states are available within a given energy interval.
27. Why is the Wiedemann–Franz law more accurate for metals than for semiconductors? In metals, electrons are the dominant carriers for both heat and charge; in semiconductors, phonons also play a significant role in heat transport.
28. Which of the following leads to a decrease in electrical conductivity? Increased scattering of charge carriers by lattice vibrations.
29. If the mean free path of electrons in a metal increases, what happens to its electrical conductivity? Increases
30. For a 2D free electron gas, the density of states is constant. This means that the number of available states between energy E and E+dE is: Independent of E
31. What happens to the electrical conductivity of a pure metal as temperature increases? It decreases.
32. The density of states in 3D is given by g(E) = C * E^(1/2). If we double the volume of the system, how does the density of states change? It doubles.
33. What happens to the thermal conductivity of a pure metal as temperature increases? It generally decreases slightly.
34. In 2D, if the energy E is proportional to k², how does the density of states g(E) behave? It is constant.
35. In a 1D system, the density of states near the bottom of a band (low energy) is: Low and increases with energy
36. Which of the following factors significantly influences the electrical conductivity of a metal? Number of free charge carriers and their mobility.
37. The Wiedemann–Franz law is expected to break down at very low temperatures because: Phonon contribution to thermal conductivity becomes significant.
38. At very high temperatures, the Wiedemann–Franz law may deviate because: Phonon scattering of electrons increases significantly.
39. In insulators, thermal conductivity is primarily due to: Phonons
40. The thermal conductivity of a semiconductor at room temperature is mainly due to: Phonons
41. The Wiedemann–Franz law implies that materials that are good electrical conductors are also good thermal conductors. Which of the following is an exception? Semiconductors at certain temperatures
42. Mathematically, the Wiedemann–Franz law states that the ratio of thermal conductivity (κ) to electrical conductivity (σ) is proportional to what? Temperature (T)
43. What is electrical conductivity (σ) a measure of? The ability of a material to conduct electric current.
44. What is thermal conductivity (κ) a measure of? The ability of a material to conduct heat.
45. Electrical conductivity (σ) is inversely proportional to electrical resistivity (ρ). The formula for conductivity is often given by σ = ne²τ/m*, where 'n' is the carrier concentration, 'e' is the electron charge, 'τ' is the relaxation time, and 'm*' is the effective mass. What does 'τ' represent? The average time between scattering events.
46. Which of the following is a consequence of the free electron model for density of states? The density of states increases with energy in 3D.
47. Thermal conductivity in metals is significantly affected by: The mean free path of electrons.
48. Which of the following best describes the density of states (DOS) function, g(E)? The number of available energy states per unit volume per unit energy.
49. The electrical conductivity of a semiconductor is highly dependent on temperature because: The number of charge carriers (electrons and holes) increases exponentially with temperature.