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Superposed_Cat
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I was wondering why the valence electrons aren't free to move in insulators? Thanks for any help in advance.
In fact they move with their group velocities but since the band is full, movement of the electron at k would neutralize the movement of another one at -k.Superposed_Cat said:I was wondering why the valence electrons aren't free to move in insulators? Thanks for any help in advance.
Valence electrons are the electrons located in the outermost energy level of an atom. They determine the chemical and physical properties of an element and are involved in the formation of chemical bonds.
In insulators, valence electrons are tightly bound to their respective atoms and are not able to move freely, resulting in poor conductivity. In contrast, in conductors, valence electrons are able to move easily between atoms, allowing for better conductivity.
Insulators usually have a full valence shell of electrons, meaning they have 8 valence electrons (except for helium, which has 2 valence electrons).
Insulators do not conduct electricity well because their valence electrons are tightly bound to their atoms, making it difficult for them to move and carry an electric charge.
Yes, insulators can become conductors if they are exposed to high temperatures or undergo a process called doping, where impurities are added to the material to free up some of the valence electrons and allow for better conductivity.