Definition of what an energy band is?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of energy bands in solids, focusing on the nature of energy levels and their formation due to atomic proximity. Participants are exploring the definitions and implications of energy bands within the context of solid-state physics.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • One participant attempts to define an energy band as a continuous distribution of energy levels and questions the reason for their existence in solids. Another participant challenges this definition by discussing the behavior of wavefunctions as atoms come closer together, leading to the formation of energy bands. A follow-up question is raised regarding the specific states of the s-band.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants questioning and clarifying the definitions and mechanisms behind energy bands. There is no explicit consensus, but various interpretations and explanations are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating assumptions about atomic spacing and the nature of energy levels, with some expressing confusion over the definitions and implications of energy bands.

lotrsimp12345
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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.
 
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The last answer sounds odd. Let's say you have a lot of spaced out atoms with discrete energy levels. As they get closer to each other, the wavefunctions will overlap and those discrete energy levels will lose their degeneracy and begin to spread out. As they spread out, you get a range in energy that the electrons can live in, basically a band. So it is due to this periodicity with overlapping wavefunctions that you get bands.
 
Hmm... Just realized you double posted this. Please don't post the same question in multiple threads.
 
now my question is how would you know what states the s-band can have?
 

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