Fermi-Dirac Distribution
The Fermi-Dirac Distribution describes the statistical distribution of particles, specifically fermions, which are particles that follow the Pauli exclusion principle. This principle states that no two identical fermions can occupy the same quantum state simultaneously. The distribution is crucial for understanding the behavior of electrons in solids, particularly in metals and semiconductors, where it helps explain electrical and thermal properties.
In the Fermi-Dirac Distribution, the probability of a quantum state being occupied by a fermion depends on its energy and the temperature of the system. At absolute zero, all states below a certain energy level, known as the Fermi energy, are filled, while those above are empty. As temperature increases, some particles can occupy higher energy states, leading to changes in conductivity and other physical properties.