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Chemistry Forums for Students => High School Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: SnufitS on May 24, 2012, 11:29:47 AM

Title: Why is Sn a better electrical conductor than Pb?
Post by: SnufitS on May 24, 2012, 11:29:47 AM

Hello! :)

I recently read that tin was a better electrical conductor than lead despite the fact that electrical conductivity generally increases down a group (tin is above lead in the periodic table). Can anyone please explain me the logic behind this exception?

Thanks! :)

Title: Re: Why is Sn a better electrical conductor than Pb?
Post by: juanrga on May 27, 2012, 06:50:05 AM

Quote from: SnufitS on May 24, 2012, 11:29:47 AM

Hello! :)

I recently read that tin was a better electrical conductor than lead despite the fact that electrical conductivity generally increases down a group (tin is above lead in the periodic table). Can anyone please explain me the logic behind this exception?

Thanks! :)

tin has a weaker electron-phonon coupling than lead. So at room temperature, the conduction electrons do not get "decelerated" by the phonons as strongly as in lead. So they can move more efficiently.

Title: Re: Why is Sn a better electrical conductor than Pb?
Post by: SnufitS on May 27, 2012, 10:50:03 AM

Quote from: juanrga on May 27, 2012, 06:50:05 AM

tin has a weaker electron-phonon coupling than lead. So at room temperature, the conduction electrons do not get "decelerated" by the phonons as strongly as in lead. So they can move more efficiently.

Wow that's so cool (I've never heard of phonons before)! :D

I might not be well-informed, but I will try to understand why tin has a weaker electron-phonon coupling than lead if you are kind enough to share (unless it is too complicated to explain, which I hope it isn't).

Thanks a lot!