Incandescence and energy bands

[monstersaurou]

In an incandescent lamp, only the electrons at the top of the band can participate.

Got this from wikipedia but I don't quite understand what it means.

From what I know regarding incandescence, it is basically the vibrational emission spectrum of a solid lattice produced when the lattice is heated up. This spectrum is continuous and contains all wavelengths of light, although they are of different intensities, as described by Planck's law. In all, it is a phenomenon which can be accounted for by considering the interactions that occur at the level of the aggregate lattice structure of the solid, not at the level of individual atoms and molecules.

Wiki mentions 'top of the band' here. Are they referring to valence and conduction bands? Is this related to the fact that in considering incandescence, we've got to consider the solid as an aggregate lattice structure, not individual particles? If so, how can valence and conduction bands be used to further explain incandescence beyond such reasoning as that I've put forth?

 

[ZapperZ]

Thank you for bringing out another example of why one should not use Wikipedia as a valid reference.

Your view is more accurate. This has been discussed before in several threads, the latest of which can be found here:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=282969

Zz.