The Fermi energy is a concept in quantum mechanics usually referring to the energy of the highest occupied quantum state in a system of fermions at absolute zero temperature.
Confusingly, the term "Fermi energy" is often used to describe a different but closely related concept, the Fermi level (also called chemical potential). The Fermi energy and Fermi level are the same at absolute zero, but differ at other temperatures, as described below.
Read more about Fermi Energy: Illustration of The Concept For A One Dimensional Square Well, Three-dimensional Case, Related Quantities
Famous quotes containing the word energy:
“Since the beginning of time, three-quarters of the mental energy and of the lies inspired by vanity have been expended for their inferiors by people who are only abased by such expenditure. And Swann, who was easygoing and unaffected with a duchess, trembled at the thought of being scorned and put on airs when he was with a housemaid.”
—Marcel Proust (1871–1922)