Question 22

In terms of band theory, what is the difference

(i) Between a conductor and an insulator

(ii) Between a conductor and a semiconductor

Answer

(i) In a conductor the energy gap is either very small or there is overlapping between valence band and conduction band. In case of an insulator the energy gap between valence band and conduction band is very large. Due to which, when an electric field is applied to an insulator, the electrons cannot jump from valence band to conduction band, hence poor or no conduction of electricity.

(ii) In a conductor, the energy gap between valence band and conduction band is very small but in an semiconductor there is always a small energy gap between them.

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