What do other people think? Also for those who have done phys3020, did you prefer the approach we took or that of the text by Ashcroft in deriving and justifying the density of states?
3/11/11
Density of States
I have found the Sommerfield model to be quite a more enjoyable theory to examine in contrast to the Drude model. Even though the Drude model was based on simple kinematics, the Sommerfield model appears to me to be a more justified approach to the behaviour of conductors. Perhaps this is because of my previous experience in statistical mechanics and that I am comfortable with such quantities as the density of states.
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I think for someone who has done Statistical Mechanics, the Sommerfeld approach is more reasonable. Besides that, we can compare the two and understand the concept of density of states much better.
ReplyDeleteFor people who have not taken the Statistical mechanics, the density of states D(E) in Statistical Mechanics approach is equal to dN(E)/dE, where N(E) is the total number of single-particle states with energies less than a given energy E, and D(E) is the number of single-particle orbitals per unit energy. Generally the density of states is talking about the occupancy. The density of states is about the density of orbitals that are available to particles in vacant states.
ReplyDeleteHaving several ways of looking at a situation always makes it easier to understand.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I agree that the Sommerfeld looks the better approach compared with Drude. Although I can see how Durde's approach would appeal to someone relatively new to Condensed matter physics.