Conduction electron
Definition
A conduction electron is a free electron in a conductor that can move freely and participate in electrical conduction. These electrons are responsible for carrying electric current through the material.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Conduction electrons are found in the conduction band of a material, which allows them to move freely under an electric field.
- In metals, conduction electrons originate from the outermost shell of atoms and form a 'sea' of delocalized electrons.
- The number of conduction electrons directly affects a material's electrical conductivity.
- Conduction electrons respond to electric fields by drifting opposite to the direction of the field, creating an electric current.
- Temperature changes can influence the behavior and mobility of conduction electrons in a material.
Review Questions
- What role do conduction electrons play in electrical conductivity?
- How do conduction electrons respond to an applied electric field?
- Why are metals typically good conductors of electricity?
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Related terms
Conductor: A material that allows the flow of electric charge due to its high density of free charge carriers, such as conduction electrons.
Insulator: A material with very few free charge carriers, which prevents it from conducting electricity efficiently.
Electric Field: $\mathbf{E}$ A region around a charged particle where other charges experience a force. It influences the motion of conduction electrons in conductors.
