how does the band structure of a solid makes it an insulator, semiconductor or conductor?
Explanation:
Conductor:
The conductor is a material that contains free movable charges which conduct an electric current when a potential difference is applied to the ends of the conductor. The conduction band of the conductor completely overlaps the valance band which allows it to conduct electricity.
Insulator:
The insulator is a material that does not contain free movable charges due to which it does not conduct an electric current when a potential difference is applied to the ends of it. The conduction band of the insulator does not overlap with the valance band and there is a large gap between both the bands. This gap does not allow charges from the valance band to jump to the conduction band due to the high energy requirement.
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