The Fermi-Thomas Model

The Fermi-Thomas model describes how electrons are distributed around atomic nuclei in atoms. It combines principles from quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics to estimate electron density, treating electrons as a continuous "cloud" rather than discrete particles. This model is named after physicists Enrico Fermi and Llewellyn Thomas. It helps explain the structure of atoms and is particularly useful in understanding metals and ionic solids where many electrons are involved. While not perfect, it provides a framework for predicting properties such as conductivity and reactivity in materials.