Question

What is Wigner Crystal?

• A. Newly discovered exoplanet
• B. Solid phase of electrons
• C. Solid phase of neutrons
• D. Black hole

Hint:

Think of a Wigner crystal as electrons "freezing" into a fixed pattern due to their mutual hatred (repulsion), which overpowers their desire to move around (kinetic energy) when it gets very cold.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understand the basic states of matter. Typically, we think of matter as solid, liquid, or gas. However, under extreme conditions, other states can exist.

Step 2: Define a Wigner Crystal. A Wigner crystal is a theoretical state of matter that was first predicted by physicist Eugene Wigner in 1934. It is not a crystal made of atoms or molecules, but a solid phase made up entirely of electrons.

Step 3: Understand the conditions for its formation. This state can occur under very specific and extreme conditions:
Very low temperature: The electrons must be extremely cold, so their kinetic energy (energy of motion) is very low.
Low density: The electrons need to be spread out. Under these conditions, the mutual electrostatic repulsion between the negatively charged electrons becomes stronger than their random thermal motion. To minimize their total energy, the electrons arrange themselves into a regular, repeating lattice structure, just like atoms in a normal crystal. This electron lattice is what we call a Wigner crystal.