Drude Model of Free Electron Conduction in a Metal

Electrons are represented by blue balls, with positive ions represented by the red balls. An external electric field drives the charge carriers into motion that slowly drifts to the right as the particles randomly scatter off each other. Each collision between an electron and positive ion removes some kinetic energy from the carriers.

Simulated in Matlab by using the discrete element method (DEM).

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Drude
• model
• animation
• discrete
• element
• method

[smilinrk2003]

It would appear to me that the force of attraction of the electrons to the "positive" ions is missing. Unless this is a 3D simulation there are a number of electrons that have "near miss" paths that are very linear. Given that the force between charges is 1/r^2, any near miss electron should follow an almost hyperbolic path. No?

I believe that this aspect of the model is important because it leads to electron drift as the key method of conduction and not any form of linear electron path.

[samwarr]

very hypnotic, reminds me of plinko

[honeylicious13]

You are feeling very interested in scientific study. When I snap my fingers, you will hoot like an owl.