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Is there something specific about oxidized metal that electrons need quantum tunneling to move through them? Why can't we just assume its normal conductivity?
by jayd16 5y ago
Is there something specific about oxidized metal that electrons need quantum tunneling to move through them? Why can't we just assume its normal conductivity?
- chasil 5y agoAluminum is extremely reactive, and the classic method of liberating this energy is through thermite reactions. Without the oxidation layer on aluminum, it would be an extremely hazardous substance. "Breaking bad" covered this with an etch-a-sketch. Sometimes chemistry can be surprising. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermite https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermite
- jayd16 5y agoThat's neat but I don't really follow. Why isn't the oxidation layer just a higher impedance material? Why is quantum tunneling required to explain a light switch?