Fermi energy (Question 1 (10 Marks)) — UPSC Physics Optional IFoS 2018 Paper I

Define Fermi energy and show that for an electron gas at absolute zero temperature, the Fermi energy is given by E_F = \left( \frac{h^2}{2m} \right) \left( \frac{3}{8\pi} \frac{N}{V} \right)^{2/3} where the symbols have their usual meanings. Estimate the numerical value of Fermi energy for copper taking number of electrons per unit volume as 8\cdot 4 \times 10^{22}\text{ electrons/cm}^3 and find Fermi temperature T_F.