/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 25 Explain how the electron-sea mod... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 23: Problem 25

Explain how the electron-sea model accounts for the high electrical and thermal conductivity of metals.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The electron-sea model accounts for the high electrical and thermal conductivity of metals by proposing a lattice structure formed by metal atoms with free, delocalized electrons shared among all the atoms. These free electrons move easily within the lattice and are responsible for high conductivity when an electric field or heat is applied. In terms of electrical conductivity, the free electrons move in response to an electric field, carrying charge and generating an electric current. For thermal conductivity, the free electrons collide with vibrating lattice atoms when heat is applied, transferring energy from hotter to cooler regions.

Step by step solution

01

Introduction to the electron-sea model

The electron-sea model, also known as the free-electron model or Drude model, is a simplified representation of metallic bonding, which helps to explain the unique properties of metals, such as their high electrical and thermal conductivity. According to this model, metal atoms form a lattice structure, in which the valence electrons are free to move and are shared among all the atoms. These free electrons are often referred to as "sea of electrons" or "electron gas," which surrounds the metal ions.
02

Ease of electron movement

The electron-sea model proposes that the delocalized electrons are responsible for the high electrical conductivity of metals. Since the valence electrons are not tightly bound to individual atoms, they can easily move throughout the lattice structure. This makes metals excellent conductors of electricity. When an electric field is applied to a metal, the free electrons will move in response to this field, carrying charge and generating an electric current.
03

Collision and energy transfer

Metals are also known for their high thermal conductivity. The electron-sea model explains this property through the role of free electrons in energy transfer. When heat is applied to a metal, the lattice structure begins to vibrate, and the free electrons collide with the vibrating lattice atoms. These collisions result in an energy transfer from the hotter parts of the metal to the cooler regions, resulting in heat conduction. Consequently, the ability of metals to transfer heat is linked to their high concentration of free electrons and their ease of movement.
04

Conclusion

In conclusion, the electron-sea model helps to account for the high electrical and thermal conductivity of metals by proposing a lattice structure formed by metal atoms, with free, delocalized electrons shared among all the atoms. These free electrons can easily move within the lattice, leading to high conductivity when an electric field or heat is applied.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Germanium has the same crystal structure as diamond (Figure 11.41). Based on this fact, do you think germanium is likely to exhibit metallic properties? Explain your answer.

Why is the \(+2\) oxidation state common among the transition metals? Why do so many transition metals exhibit a variety of oxidation states?

(a) Pyrolusite \(\left(\mathrm{MnO}_{2}\right)\) is a commercially important mineral of manganese. What is the oxidationstate of \(\mathrm{Mn}\) in this metal? (b) Name some reagents that might be used to reduce this ore to the metal.

The galvanizing of iron sheet can be carried out electrolytically using a bath containing a zinc sulfate solution. The sheet is made the cathode, and a graphite anode is used. Calculate the cost of the electricity required to deposit a 0.49-mm layer of zinc on both sides of an iron sheet \(2.0 \mathrm{~m}\) wide and \(80 \mathrm{~m}\) long if the current is \(30 \mathrm{~A}\), the voltage is \(3.5 \mathrm{~V}\), and the energy efficiency of the process is \(90 \%\). Assume the cost of electricity is \(\$ 0.082\) per kilowatt hour. The density of zinc is \(7.1 \mathrm{~g} / \mathrm{cm}^{3}\).

Assess the feasibility of reducing \(\mathrm{TiO}_{2}\) to titanium metal by roasting in carbon monoxide. (a) Write a reaction for this process. (b) Use the thermodynamic quantities given in Appendix \(C\) to calculate \(\Delta G^{\circ}, \Delta H^{\circ}\), and \(\Delta S^{\circ}\) for this reaction. Is this reaction spontaneous at \(25^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) under standard conditions? (c) If we assume that \(\Delta H^{\circ}\) and \(S^{\circ}\) values do not change with temperature, at what temperature would this process become spontaneous? Do you think this process would be practical?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Making Measurements

Read Explanation

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Read Explanation

Inorganic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Physical Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

Chemical Reactions

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.