Physics HL
Physics HL
5
Chapters
329
Notes
Theme A - Space, Time & Motion
Theme A - Space, Time & Motion
Theme B - The Particulate Nature Of Matter
Theme B - The Particulate Nature Of Matter
Theme C - Wave Behaviour
Theme C - Wave Behaviour
Theme D - Fields
Theme D - Fields
Theme E - Nuclear & Quantum Physics
Theme E - Nuclear & Quantum Physics
IB Resources
Theme B - The Particulate Nature Of Matter
Physics HL
Physics HL

Theme B - The Particulate Nature Of Matter

Understanding Metal Conduction: From Atoms To Electrons

Word Count Emoji
649 words
Reading Time Emoji
4 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

Conduction in metals - the rock band of atoms 🎸

  • Metal Atoms & Metallic Bonds

    • Imagine a dance floor, with atoms dancing in a regular pattern. This is called a lattice arrangement.
    • Each dancer (atom) gives away an electron to a "common electron pool" or the sea of electrons.
  • Positive Vibes Only

    • Since each atom loses an electron, what remains are positive ions.
    • And guess what? They don’t stand still! Even if it's super cold (but above absolute zero), these ions are shaking it off like they're at a Taylor Swift concert.
  • The Electrifying Sea

    • This sea isn't water, but of free electrons or conduction electrons. They're the reason we have electricity!
    • Electrical Resistance: Think of it as a dance where electrons pass on their energy to the ions. This handover causes resistance.
  • With & Without Electric Fields

    • No electric field? Electrons play a game of tag with ions in the lattice. Super random.
    • Electric field on? Electrons get a push! They drift in the opposite direction to the field.
    • Real World Example: Ever seen ants on a moving walkway? They might scramble around, but there's a general direction they're headed. Just like our electrons!
  • Special Mention - The VIP Wires

    • Wires in circuits, especially those made of copper, are like VIP lanes on a highway. Little to no resistance! So, they're treated as perfect conductors.

Conduction in gases & liquids - the electro cocktail party 🥤

  • Just like in metals, gases and liquids can conduct electricity if they have free ions due to their bonding.
  • Apply an electric field and watch the ions dance
    • Positive ions move with the field.
    • Negative ions groove in the opposite direction.
    • When they move, the party's electric - we see an electric current!

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IB Resources
Theme B - The Particulate Nature Of Matter
Physics HL
Physics HL

Theme B - The Particulate Nature Of Matter

Understanding Metal Conduction: From Atoms To Electrons

Word Count Emoji
649 words
Reading Time Emoji
4 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

Conduction in metals - the rock band of atoms 🎸

  • Metal Atoms & Metallic Bonds

    • Imagine a dance floor, with atoms dancing in a regular pattern. This is called a lattice arrangement.
    • Each dancer (atom) gives away an electron to a "common electron pool" or the sea of electrons.
  • Positive Vibes Only

    • Since each atom loses an electron, what remains are positive ions.
    • And guess what? They don’t stand still! Even if it's super cold (but above absolute zero), these ions are shaking it off like they're at a Taylor Swift concert.
  • The Electrifying Sea

    • This sea isn't water, but of free electrons or conduction electrons. They're the reason we have electricity!
    • Electrical Resistance: Think of it as a dance where electrons pass on their energy to the ions. This handover causes resistance.
  • With & Without Electric Fields

    • No electric field? Electrons play a game of tag with ions in the lattice. Super random.
    • Electric field on? Electrons get a push! They drift in the opposite direction to the field.
    • Real World Example: Ever seen ants on a moving walkway? They might scramble around, but there's a general direction they're headed. Just like our electrons!
  • Special Mention - The VIP Wires

    • Wires in circuits, especially those made of copper, are like VIP lanes on a highway. Little to no resistance! So, they're treated as perfect conductors.

Conduction in gases & liquids - the electro cocktail party 🥤

  • Just like in metals, gases and liquids can conduct electricity if they have free ions due to their bonding.
  • Apply an electric field and watch the ions dance
    • Positive ions move with the field.
    • Negative ions groove in the opposite direction.
    • When they move, the party's electric - we see an electric current!

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Physics HL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟

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