Chapter 12, Problem 12.24CP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The electron population of bands of MO energy levels for elements carbon (diamond), silicon, germanium, gray tin, and white tin should be drawn.

Concept introduction:

The band theory is used to explain hardness, electrical conductivity, the melting point for different metals. It can be explained as a theory related to a set of MOs that have less energy difference between them. These sets of MOs also known as bands. The melting point of any metal depends on the occupancy of both MOs, bonding and antibonding. When the electron from bonding MO can be excessed easily relative to antibonding MO electrons, then melting point metal is higher.

The difference between the conduction band and valence band is known as bandgap. This bandgap 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 bandgap is very large and no electron can jump from valence to conduction band.

When there are partially filled electrons in the conduction band and partially empty valence band then the material is known as a semiconductor.