PHY3212: SOLID STATE PHYSICS II

Assignment One

Due Date: Friday, 5th October 2021

a) i) The wave number of an electron can acquire all possible values. What will be
the nature of its energy spectrum? What is the physical significance of the
restrictions on its values?
ii) The energy of the lowest allowed level for an electron in a 1-D box is 9.2 eV.
Determine whether the electron can be able to attain energy equal to 500 eV.

b) i) Explain the origin of the periodic potential field experienced by electrons in a

crystalline solid.
ii) For an electron in one-dimensional periodic potential of Kronig-Penney model,
𝑉0 𝑓𝑜𝑟 − 𝑏 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 0
𝑉={
0, 𝑓𝑜𝑟 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑎
sin(𝑎𝛼)
with 𝑉0 = 55 eV, 𝑎 = 7 Å, 𝑏 = 0.009 Å. Tabulate values of 𝑃 + cos(𝑎𝛼) for
𝑎𝛼
𝑚𝑎
the range −3𝜋 ≤ 𝑎𝛼 ≤ 3𝜋 at an interval of 0.2, where 𝑃 = 𝑏𝑉0 . Using a software
ℏ2
of your choice, plot the tabulated values on a suitable graph to show allowed and
forbidden regions. Calculate the widths of the 1st three allowed energy bands.

c) When 90 mA current is passed through a sodium specimen under the magnetic

field 2.0 Weber m-2, the Hall voltage is 0.09 mV. The width of the specimen is 0.04
mm. Calculate the carrier concentration.
END