In thermodynamics and solid state physics, the Debye model is a method developed by Peter Debye in 1912 for estimating the phonon contribution to the specific heat (heat capacity) in a solid. It treats the vibrations of the atomic lattice (heat) as phonons in a box, in contrast to the Einstein model, which treats the solid as many individual, non-interacting quantum harmonic oscillators. The Debye model correctly predicts the low temperature dependence of the heat capacity, which is proportional to T3 – the Debye T3 law. Just like the Einstein model, it also recovers the Dulong–Petit law at high temperatures. But due to simplifying assumptions, its accuracy suffers at intermediate temperatures.
See Also
8.7 - Billiard Ball Model
8.8 - Water Wave Model
8.9 - Elements of the SVP Model
Debye Continuum
Debye frequency
Debye length
Debye Sphere
Heat
Law of Dulong and Petit
Models of Laser Cluster Interactions
Peter Debye
Quasi-neutrality and Debye length
Specific Heat