free electron model

The free electron model describes how electrons behave in metals by treating them as if they are free particles moving within a material. In this model, electrons are not tightly bound to individual atoms but can flow easily through the metal's structure, allowing electrical conductivity. Think of electrons like a gas of tiny particles that move randomly but can respond quickly to electric fields, creating current. This simplified approach helps explain properties like metallic conductivity and electrical behavior without delving into complex atomic interactions, making it a useful foundation in solid-state physics.