The metal-to-nonmetal transition

• What distinguishes a metal from an insulator? The macroscopic differences are apparent: we immediately note the distinction between the shiny metal which conducts electricity and the colored, sometimes transparent appearance of the insulator. But which are the microscopic criteria that tell us to which of these two macroscopic classes a certain material should belong? An answer to this question must involve an understanding, at least qualitatively of the nature of the electronic system in question. 

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

dok (subject category)