GATE PH 2022 • Q29 NAT • 1 Mark

Section 7: Solid State Physics

Band Theory of Solids & Semiconductors

Subtopic: Free Electron Model & Fermi Surfaces

Question Statement:

Potassium metal has electron concentration of 1.4 × 1028m-3 and the corresponding density of states at Fermi level is 6.2 × 1048 Joule-1 m-3. If the Pauli paramagnetic susceptibility of Potassium is n × 10-L in standard scientific form, then the value of k (an integer) is __________ (Magnetic moment of electron is 9. 3 × 10-24 Joule T-1; permeability of free space is 4𝜋 × 10- T m A-1)

Official Answer Key:

6 to 6

Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation

### **Official Solution & Step-by-Step Derivation (GATE PH 2022 Q.29)** **1. Physics Principles & Pauli Paramagnetism**: - Given: - Density of states at Fermi level: $D(E_F) = 6.2 \times 10^{46} \text{ J}^{-1}\text{ m}^{-3}$. - Magnetic moment of electron: $\mu_B = 9.3 \times 10^{-24} \text{ J T}^{-1}$. - Permeability of free space: $\mu_0 = 4\pi \times 10^{-7} \text{ T m A}^{-1}$. - Formula for Pauli paramagnetic susceptibility: $\chi_p = \mu_0 \mu_B^2 D(E_F)$ **2. Step-by-Step Numerical Calculation**: - Calculate $\mu_B^2$: $\mu_B^2 = (9.3 \times 10^{-24})^2 = 86.49 \times 10^{-48} \text{ J}^2\text{ T}^{-2}$ - Multiply by $D(E_F)$: $\mu_B^2 D(E_F) = (86.49 \times 10^{-48}) \times (6.2 \times 10^{46}) = 536.238 \times 10^{-2} = 5.362 \text{ J T}^{-2}\text{ m}^{-3}$ - Multiply by $\mu_0 = 4\pi \times 10^{-7} \approx 1.2566 \times 10^{-6}$: $\chi_p = (1.2566 \times 10^{-6}) \times 5.362 = 6.738 \times 10^{-6}$ - In standard scientific notation: $n \times 10^{-k} = 6.74 \times 10^{-6}$. - Therefore, the exponent integer is $k = 6$. **3. Official Verification**: The verified official IIT Master Answer range is **6 to 6**.

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