The Basis of the Electron Theory of Metals, with Special Reference to the Transition Metals

Abstract

It is shown that the collective electron and London-Heitler models are not to be regarded as different approximations to the same exact wave function for solids in which, according to the former model, there is a partially filled zone of energy levels. It can thus be shown why nickel oxide in the pure state is a non-conductor, although it contains an incomplete zone. The properties of the metals nickel, palladium and platinum are discussed in the light of these results; platinum differs from nickel in that the orbital contribution to the moment of the elementary magnets is not quenched. A discussion is given of x-ray absorption edges, and it is shown why exciton lines are absent for metals.