Distinguish between a conductor, an insulator and a semiconductor on the basis of energy band diagrams
Physics
Class 12
708
Angelina
1. Conductors (Metals) :
In conductors either conduction and valence band partly overlap each other or the conduction band is partially filled. Forbidden energy gap does not exists (Eg ≈ 0) . This makes a large number of free electrons available for electrical conduction. So the metals have high conductivity.
2. Semiconductors :
In semiconductors, conduction band is empty and valance band is totally filled. Eg is quite small (< 3 eV). At , 0 K electrons are not able to cross this energy gap and semiconductor behaves as an insulator. But at room temperature, some electrons are able to jump to conduction band and semiconductor acquires small conductivity.
3. Insulators
In insulators, conduction band is empty and valance band is totally filled. Eg is very large (≈ 6 eV). It is not possible to give such large amount of energy to electrons by any means. Hence conduction band remains total empty and the crystal remains as insulator.