A discussion of the transition metals on the basis of quantum mechanics

Abstract

The magnetic susceptibilities and electrical conductivities of cobalt, nickel and palladium and of their alloys with copper, silver and gold are discussed on the basis of the quantum theory of metals. It is shown that the number of electrons in the outermost s state must be about 0.6 per atom in the transition metals and one in the noble metals; certain magnetic properties of the alloys are explained on the basis of this fact. A quantum-mechanical explanation of the relatively high resistance of the transition metals is given and is shown to be supported by measurements of the resistance of alloys.