Explain conductor (metal),insulator,and semiconductor by drawing diagrams based on energy bands.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) The difference between the minimum energy level of the conduction band $(E_c)$ and the maximum energy level of the valence band $(E_v)$ is called the energy band gap $(E_g)$.
There are no allowed energy levels in the region with the energy gap,hence this region is called the forbidden energy gap.
Depending on the type of material,the forbidden gap may be small,large,or zero. Based on this gap,materials are classified into three types:
$1$. Metal (Conductor):
As shown in figure $(a)$,a metal exists either when the conduction band is partially filled and the valence band is partially empty,or when the conduction and valence bands overlap. When there is an overlap,electrons from the valence band can easily move into the conduction band. When the valence band is partially empty,electrons can move to higher energy levels,making conduction possible. Therefore,the resistance of such materials is low and conductivity is high.
$2$. Insulator:
As shown in figure $(b)$,for an insulator,the energy gap $(E_g)$ is very large $(E_g > 3 \text{ eV})$. There are no electrons in the conduction band,and therefore,no electrical conduction is possible at room temperature.
$3$. Semiconductor:
For a semiconductor,the energy gap is small (typically $E_g < 3 \text{ eV}$). At room temperature,some electrons from the valence band can gain enough thermal energy to cross the small energy gap and enter the conduction band,allowing for limited electrical conduction.

Explore More

Similar Questions

In which of the following is an ionic bond present?

The energy gap of silicon is $1.1 \, eV$. At what wavelength will silicon stop absorbing photons? (in $\mathring A$)

Carbon,Silicon,and Germanium have four valence electrons each. These are characterized by valence and conduction bands separated by energy band gaps respectively equal to $(E_g)_C, (E_g)_{Si},$ and $(E_g)_{Ge}$. Which of the following statements is true?

$A$ piece of semiconductor is connected in series in an electric circuit. On increasing the temperature,the current in the circuit will

The effect of an increase in temperature on the number of electrons in the conduction band $(n_e)$ and the resistance of a semiconductor will be as follows:

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo