Conduction electron

Definition

A conduction electron is a free electron in a conductor that can move freely and participate in electrical conduction. These electrons are responsible for carrying electric current through the material.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Conduction electrons are found in the conduction band of a material, which allows them to move freely under an electric field.
2. In metals, conduction electrons originate from the outermost shell of atoms and form a 'sea' of delocalized electrons.
3. The number of conduction electrons directly affects a material's electrical conductivity.
4. Conduction electrons respond to electric fields by drifting opposite to the direction of the field, creating an electric current.
5. Temperature changes can influence the behavior and mobility of conduction electrons in a material.

Review Questions

• What role do conduction electrons play in electrical conductivity?
• How do conduction electrons respond to an applied electric field?
• Why are metals typically good conductors of electricity?

Related terms

Conductor:

A material that allows the flow of electric charge due to its high density of free charge carriers, such as conduction electrons.

Insulator:

A material with very few free charge carriers, which prevents it from conducting electricity efficiently.

Electric Field: $\mathbf{E}$ A region around a charged particle where other charges experience a force. It influences the motion of conduction electrons in conductors.