Bismuth Bulk-electronic structure

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    Bismuth Structure
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the electronic structure of bismuth as a semi-metal, exploring its characteristics and the implications of terminology used in related questions. Participants examine the nature of conduction bands and the specific attributes that define semi-metals.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that semimetals have a very sparsely populated conduction band, with occupancy ranging from 10-3 to 10-5 electrons per atom.
  • There is uncertainty regarding whether there is exactly one partially filled band in semimetals, though it is suggested that the total occupancy of all such bands aligns with the previously mentioned range.
  • One participant questions the use of the singular "characteristic" in the context of electronic structure, suggesting that it may imply a singular focus that is not representative of the multiple attributes that could be discussed.
  • Another participant proposes that if they had to choose one characteristic of bismuth's electronic structure, it would be the very low density of conduction electrons, noting the small difference between the Fermi energy and the conduction band minimum.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of the term "characteristic" and whether it implies a singular focus or allows for multiple attributes. There is no consensus on the exact nature of the electronic structure characteristics that should be highlighted.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference exercises and questions found online, which may influence their understanding of what is expected in terms of discussing the electronic structure of semi-metals. The discussion reflects varying interpretations of terminology and the complexity of the topic.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to students and researchers in materials science, condensed matter physics, and those studying the electronic properties of semi-metals.

physicist888
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hi all
as known, Bismuth is a semi-metal. the question is:
What is the characteristic of the electronic structure of this family (Semi-metal).
 
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The semimetals have a very sparsely populated conduction band, with somewhere between 10-3 to 10-5 electrons per atom in it. I'm not sure if there is exactly one such partially filled band, but if not, I do believe the total occupancy of all partially filled bands is approximately in the above range.
 
that's right. infact, when they ask ( what's the characteristic of electronic structure of metal or whatever) that's mean that we should give information about the energy bands?
remark: the characteristic , its not plural, that's mean there's one characteristic.
 
physicist888 said:
that's right. infact, when they ask...
Who is "they"? Where is this question from? I'm not sure why they would use the singular for "characteristic" but, it may just possibly be accidental.
 
in all the questions in the unsolved exercises that I've found it on the internet ( in french ) they ask about the family about the element and then about the characteristic of the electronic structure of this family. for example, to which family participate the Bismuth? what is it the characteristic of the electronic structure of this family?

so my answer is that the bismuth is an element of the family of semi-metal. but i don't understand what they want me to talk about in the second question, cause its singular and that's mean 1 characteristic and ther'are a lot of things to say for a such question as answers.
i hope youve understand the problem.
wait your help now ;)
 
If I had to pick one, I would go with the very low density of conduction electrons. Another way of describing the same thing is in the difference between the Fermi energy and the conduction band minimum. For the semimetals, this difference is just a few tens of meV.
 

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