Abstract
The failure of the Debye equation for atomic lattices to hold for the heat capacity of metallic lithium is attributed to the association of lithium atoms in the crystal into diatomic ions. It is then shown, with the help of a reasonable assumption as to the value of the diatomic vibration frequency, that the heat capacity of lithium can be understood without postulating a breakdown of the Debye theory. Some implications of this point of view for the theory of the metallic properties of lithium are pointed out and further experimental work to decide the question proposed.