Free electron gas model | Drude - Lorentz classical theory.
Free electron theory of metals
Introduction
A number of physical properties of metals like thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, specific heat, magnetic susceptibility etc. can be explained on the basis of free electron theory. This theory was first developed by Drude and Lorentz by applying classical laws of physics but it could not explain the heat capacity and the paramagnetic susceptibility of the conduction electrons though it explained properties like Ohm's law and metallic luster etc.
The difficulties occurred in classical theory were removed by using statistics. Firstly, we discuss classical theory in brief and then the quantum theory as developed by Sommerfield.
Free electron gas model (Drude and Lorentz classical theory)
It was suggested by P.Drude in 1900, that the metal crystals consist of positive ion cores with their valence electrons ( also known as conduction electrons since these are responsible for the conduction of electricity in metals) free to move among these positive metal ions (cores). The Coulomb's force of attraction between these positive ions and negatively charged electrons do not allow these free electrons to leave the metal surface.
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