Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms

Difference Between

Home / Science & Nature / Science / Chemistry / Physical Chemistry / Difference Between Fermi Energy and Fermi Level

Difference Between Fermi Energy and Fermi Level

July 31, 2019 Posted by Madhu

The key difference between Fermi energy and Fermi level is that Fermi energy is the energy of fermi level, whereas Fermi level is a measure of least tightly bound electrons within a solid.

The terms fermi energy and Fermi level are named after the physicist Enrico Fermi. Fermi energy is the value of energy for a Fermi level at absolute zero temperature (at 0 K) while the Fermi level is the chemical potential of electrons.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Fermi Energy 
3. What is Fermi Level
4. Side by Side Comparison –Fermi Energy vs Fermi Level in Tabular Form
5. Summary

What is Fermi Energy?

Fermi energy is the value of energy for a Fermi level at absolute zero temperature (at 0 K). It is the maximum kinetic energy an electron can have at this temperature. Moreover, the value of Fermi energy is constant for a particular solid. We can define the term Fermi energy as the highest occupied energy level of a material at absolute zero temperature. In other words, all the electrons of a solid tend to occupy energy states at or below the solid’s Fermi energy at 0 K temperature.

In metals, Fermi energy gives the velocity of electrons during conduction. Therefore, during the conduction of metals, only electrons having energy close to the Fermi energy will contribute to the process.

Difference Between Fermi Energy and Fermi Level

Figure 01: Comparing Band Gaps of Metal, Semiconductor and Insulator

Furthermore, the concept of Fermi energy is important in describing the behaviour of semiconductors. For instance, n-type semiconductors have their fermi energy close to the conduction band. In contrast, p-type semiconductors have their fermi energy close to the valence band.

What is Fermi Level?

Fermi level is the chemical potential of electrons. It is an energy level in which the probability of finding an electron is 50%. Itis the highest occupied molecular orbital in the valence band at 0 K. Therefore, there are many vacant states to accept electrons.  The Fermi level is located at the bandgap, between the conduction band and valence band.

What is the Difference Between Fermi Energy and Fermi Level?

Fermi energy is the value of energy for a Fermi level at absolute zero temperature (at 0 K) while the Fermi level is the chemical potential of electrons. So, we can say that the key difference between fermi energy and Fermi level is that Fermi energy is the energy of Fermi level whereas Fermi level is a measure of least tightly bound electrons within a solid.

Below infographic provides additional details on the difference between fermi energy and Fermi level.

Difference Between Fermi Energy and Fermi Level in Tabular Form

Summary – Fermi Energy vs Fermi Level

Fermi energy is the value of energy for a Fermi level at absolute zero temperature (at 0 K) while the Fermi level is the chemical potential of electrons. Therefore, the key difference between fermi energy and Fermi level is that Fermi energy is the energy of Fermi level, whereas Fermi level is a measure of least tightly bound electrons within a solid.

Reference:

1. “What Is Fermi Energy? – Physics.” Metropolia Confluence, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “BandGap-Comparison-withfermi-E” – No machine-readable author provided. S-kei assumed (based on copyright claims). – No machine-readable source provided. Own work assumed (based on copyright claims) (CC BY-SA 2.5) via Commons Wikimedia

Related posts:

Difference Between Enthalpy and EntropyDifference Between Enthalpy and Entropy Difference Between Instantaneous Rate and Average RateDifference Between Instantaneous Rate and Average Rate Difference Between Colligative Properties of Electrolytes and NonelectrolytesDifference Between Colligative Properties of Electrolytes and Nonelectrolytes Difference Between Particle Model of Matter and Kinetic Molecular TheoryDifference Between Particle Model of Matter and Kinetic Molecular Theory Key Difference Between Surface Tension and Capillary ActionDifference Between Surface Tension and Capillary Action

Filed Under: Physical Chemistry

About the Author: Madhu

Madhu is a graduate in Biological Sciences with BSc (Honours) Degree and currently persuing a Masters Degree in Industrial and Environmental Chemistry. With a mind rooted firmly to basic principals of chemistry and passion for ever evolving field of industrial chemistry, she is keenly interested to be a true companion for those who seek knowledge in the subject of chemistry.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Request Article

Featured Posts

Difference Between Coronavirus and Cold Symptoms

Difference Between Coronavirus and Cold Symptoms

Difference Between Coronavirus and SARS

Difference Between Coronavirus and SARS

Difference Between Coronavirus and Influenza

Difference Between Coronavirus and Influenza

Difference Between Coronavirus and Covid 19

Difference Between Coronavirus and Covid 19

You May Like

Difference Between Classical and Operant Conditioning

Difference Between Classical and Operant Conditioning

Difference Between CA and CFA

Difference Between Lenalidomide and Thalidomide

Difference Between Lenalidomide and Thalidomide

Difference Between IP and MAC Address

Difference Between IP and MAC Address

What is the Difference Between Zyrtec and Benadryl

What is the Difference Between Zyrtec and Benadryl

Latest Posts

  • What is the Difference Between COPD and Lung Cancer
  • What is the Difference Between Silk and Cotton
  • What is the Difference Between Galactosemia and Lactose Intolerance
  • What is the Difference Between Glycosuria and Glucosuria
  • What is the Difference Between Menkes and Wilson’s Disease
  • What is the Difference Between Xerophthalmia and Keratomalacia
  • Home
  • Vacancies
  • About
  • Request Article
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2010-2018 Difference Between. All rights reserved. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy: Legal.