Explanation of Energy Bands in Solids

In summary, the reason for energy bands in solids is due to the close proximity of atoms, resulting in the bundling of energy levels rather than individual levels. An energy band can be described as a continuous distribution of closely spaced energy levels, bounded by forbidden regions with no energy levels.
  • #1
lotrsimp12345
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Homework Statement


What is the reason for energy bands in solids?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


because of close proximty of atoms
 
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  • #2
And the question is...?
 
  • #3
is that answer correct?
 
  • #4
Not really :-/ More detail would help, I imagine.
 
  • #5
when 2 orbitals interact you end up with 2 different orbitals one with low energy and one with high? Would that be enough detail?
 
  • #6
is this correct?
An energy band is a continuous distribution of similar energy levels?

What is the reason for energy bands in solids?
The reason is there is a close proximity of many atoms which is because the energy difference becomes very small. So the energy is bundled together rather than representing indivual energy levels.
 
  • #7
lotrsimp12345 said:
is this correct?
An energy band is a continuous distribution of similar energy levels?
Something like that... I'd phrase it like so: an energy band is a range of energies in which there are a large number of closely spaced energy levels and which is bounded above and below by "forbidden regions" with no energy levels, such that the forbidden regions are large compared to the interlevel spacing within the energy band.
 

1. What are energy bands in solids?

Energy bands in solids refer to the distribution of energy levels that electrons can occupy within a solid material. These energy levels are determined by the arrangement of atoms and their interactions with each other.

2. How are energy bands formed?

Energy bands are formed by the overlapping of atomic orbitals in a solid material. When many atoms come together, their orbitals combine to create a continuous range of energy levels.

3. What is the significance of energy bands in materials?

Energy bands determine the electrical and thermal properties of materials. The size and shape of energy bands can affect a material's conductivity, magnetism, and other properties.

4. What is the difference between valence and conduction bands?

The valence band is the highest energy band that is completely filled with electrons in a material at absolute zero temperature. The conduction band is the next higher energy band that contains partially filled or empty energy levels, allowing for the flow of electric current.

5. How do impurities affect energy bands in solids?

Impurities can introduce additional energy levels within energy bands, creating defects and altering the electronic and physical properties of a material. This can either increase or decrease a material's conductivity, depending on the type and concentration of impurities.

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