Valence electrons in insulators

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    Electrons Insulators
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SUMMARY

Valence electrons in insulators are not free to move due to the high energy required to reach the conduction band. This phenomenon occurs because the valence band is fully occupied, meaning that any movement of an electron at a specific momentum (k) is counterbalanced by an electron moving in the opposite direction (-k). Consequently, the collective motion of valence electrons does not contribute to electrical conductivity in insulators.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of band theory in solid-state physics
  • Familiarity with the concepts of conduction band and valence band
  • Knowledge of electron mobility and group velocity
  • Basic grasp of energy levels in materials
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  • Explore the role of temperature in electron mobility
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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.
 
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Superposed_Cat said:
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.
 

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