-Draw the energy levels for a single atom and a metallic solid. Make sure you understand why they are different.
-Compare the band structures of metals and semiconductors.
-Make sure you understand how the work function in figure 4.11 relates to the work function discussed for the photoelectric effect.
-Does Boltzmann's probability function say the number of particles increases or decreases with increasing energy?
-What assumptions are different between Boltzmann and Fermi-Dirac probability functions?
-How is the number of electrons per unit energy and volume calculated (what product is used)? Explain the shape of n(E) in 4.26d.
-What does f(E) equal at OK for energies above and below the Fermi Energy?
-Review the simplification of Eq. 4.26.
-How does the rms speed of electrons (effective speed) depend on temperature.
Important terms you should know
-density of states
-Boltzmann probability function
-Fermi-dirac function
-Fermi energy
-free electron concentration for metals
Go to the textbook website and check out these solved problems (in the "Solved Problems" section.