effective mass

Effective mass is a concept in physics that describes how electrons behave inside materials, like semiconductors. Unlike free electrons in empty space, electrons in these materials interact with the surrounding environment, which can hinder or assist their movement. The effective mass quantifies this behavior by adjusting the electron's inertia to account for these interactions. A smaller effective mass means electrons can accelerate more easily, leading to faster electrical conductivity. It’s a way scientists simplify complex interactions, helping them predict how electrons will move within a material without detailing every microscopic interaction.