Experiment 10
Electrical and Thermal Properties of Metals
Explore resistivity, thermal conductivity, and verify the Wiedemann-Franz law for various metals and alloys.
Simulation Controls
Key Equations
Wiedemann-Franz Law:
κ / (σT) = L₀
Matthiessen's Rule:
ρ(T) = ρ_residual + ρ_phonon(T)
Temperature Dependence of Resistivity
Thermal Conductivity κ
Lorenz Number Verification
Comparison of Room Temperature Resistivity
Task: Matthiessen's Rule
Increase the Defect Level slider. Notice how the entire resistivity curve shifts upward without changing its slope. This is because ρ_residual is temperature-independent.
Teaching Connection
Why do metals feel colder than wood? Use the thermal conductivity data to explain that metals conduct heat away from our hands much faster.
Reflection Questions
- Why is silver a better conductor than copper?
- What is the significance of the Lorenz number being constant for all metals?
- Why does Nichrome have such a high resistivity compared to pure Nickel?