Extension of Free Electron Theory to the Study of Magnetic Moment of Metals

In this work, a theoretical model approach for computing magnetic moment of metals based on free electron theory is developed and used. Factors connecting compression to elongation during strain in metals is involved in the computation. The result obtained agree quite well with experimental value, this suggest that free electron theory is useful for theoretical prediction of some properties of metals. The results obtained shows that magnetic moment of metals depends on spin and orbital configuration. The higher the valence electron density in metals the higher the magnetic moment of metals and the lower the valence electron density in metal the lower the magnetic moment. Magnetic field influence magnetic moment of metals due to rotation of magnetic dipole and that magnetic field in metals is weakened by induced magnetization. Magnetic moment of metals subjected to deformation decreases as strain increases. The trend demonstrated by potassium during deformation could be due to large magnitude of the magnetic moment and its orientation relative to the direction of magnetic field that causes it magnetic moment to be high during deformation. Magnetic moment of metals is determined by ratio of valence electrons to the number of their atoms. Magnetic moment of all metals computed is negative, this is due to spin intrinsic properties and negative electric charge possess by electrons in metal.