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In Solid State Physics

The document discusses the electronic band structure in solids, detailing the valence band, conduction band, and forbidden band. It explains how these bands determine the electrical conductivity of materials, classifying them as conductors, semiconductors, or insulators. Additionally, it references various sources for further information on the topic.

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Michael Lewis
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243 views5 pages

In Solid State Physics

The document discusses the electronic band structure in solids, detailing the valence band, conduction band, and forbidden band. It explains how these bands determine the electrical conductivity of materials, classifying them as conductors, semiconductors, or insulators. Additionally, it references various sources for further information on the topic.

Uploaded by

Michael Lewis
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

MINNA
NIGER STATE.

PHY 512 ASSIGNMENT


GROUP 4
1
Question
Write a two-page summary of band structure in solids. Use appropriate diagrams where
necessary, show full details and reference used.

2
Band structure in solids
In solid state physics, the electronic band structure of a solid describes the range of energy
levels that electrons may have within it, as well as the range of energy that may not have
(called band gap of forbidden band). Band theory derives these bands and band gap by
examining the allowed quantum mechanical wave functions for an electron in a large periodic
lattice of atom or molecule.

There are many energy band but the following are the three most important energy;

 Valence band
 Conduction band
 Forbidden band

Valence band:
The valence band is present below the conduction band and the electrons of this band are
loosely bound to the nucleus of the atom.

Conduction band:
The energy band that consist of free electrons energy levels, is known as the conduction band
for electrons to be free, external energy must be applied such that the valence electron gets
pushed to the conduction band and become free.

3
Forbidden band:
The energy gap between the valence band and the conduction band is known as the forbidden
band which is also known as the forbidden gap. The electrical conductivity of a solid is
determined by the forbidden gap and also the classification of the materials as conductors,
semi-conductor, and insulator.

I. Conductor:
These are substances through which electricity can flow
II. Semi-conductor:
These are materials which have a conductivity between conductors (generally metals)
and non-conductors or insulators (such as ceramics).

III. Insulator:
These are substances through which electricity cannot flow

Energy band inside an atom:

Consider a sodium atom it comprises of eleven (11) electrons they fill the energy level
following Pauli’s exclusion principle.

4
Reference

1. http://byjus.com
2. http://en.m.wikipedia.org
3. http://eepower.com
4. http://depts.washington.edu

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