Chapter 12, Problem 12.139MP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The number of $f$ electrons that are present on europium ion in $\text{EuO}$ compound should be determined.

Concept introduction:

The difference between conduction band and valence band is known as band gap. This band gap is used to classify materials as conducting metals, insulators, and semiconductors.

In metallic conductors, the band conduction and valence band get overlapped and there is zero energy difference.

In insulators, the band gap is very large and no electron can jump from valence to conduction band. When there are partially filled electrons in conduction band and partially empty valence band then material is known as semiconductor.