Question

In a metal, the electrons that carry electrical current are not associated with a single atom, but are free to move throughout the crystal. Take a cube of copper 1.0 cm on each edge. (a) (3 pts) What is the uncertainty in any one component of the momentum of an electron confined to the metal? (b) (3 pts) Estimate the average kinetic energy of an electron in the metal using this estimate of the uncertainty. (Assume Δp = (Δpx ) 2 + (Δpy ) 2 + (Δpz ) 2 ) (c) (4 pts) Note this estimate gives a dramatically wrong answer, and shows the limitations of naïve uncertainty principle arguments. Assume instead that the correct description of the electron is that it is confined within a unit cell of the crystal, i.e. a cubical cage of atoms with side 0.36 nm. Using the same assumptions, what is the typical kinetic energy

Answer 1