Dependence of metal surface properties on the valence-electron density in the stabilized jellium model

The stabilized jellium model is the simplest model which yields realistic r esults for the physical properties of simple metals. For the surface proper ties, its single input is the valence-electron density, which is described by the density parameter r(s). We remark that the surface energy and the wo rk function as a function of r(s), within that model, are reasonably approx imated by power laws and compare that behaviour with similar descriptions f ound in the literature and with experiment. We also present a simple relati onship between the surface energy and the bulk modulus, which is well fitte d by the: power - 7/2 of the density parameter (when the effective valence is taken to be z* = 1). Another simple relationship between the work functi on and the bulk modulus is shown. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.