Chapter 21, Problem 21.68SP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Use band theory in metals to explain the electrical conductivity that is found in pure metals.

Concept introduction:

• There are two theoretical models for bonding in metals which are the electron-sea model and the molecular orbital theory.
• Molecular orbital theory is the combination of atomic orbitals of individual atoms to form molecular orbitals.
• The number of molecular orbitals formed is the same as the number of atomic orbitals combined.
• A band is a set of MOs that are very closely spaced in energy and consequently MO theory for metals is often called band theory.

To classify: How band theory accounts for electrical conductivity in metals.