Conductors Semiconductors and Insulators
Free Electrons
8 Quantum States
8 quantum states
2s, 2p (6quantum states)
2 quantum states
Hybridization
$\vec{J}$ = $ \sigma \vec{E}$
J = Current density , $\quad \vec{J} = \frac{I}{A}$
C , Si $\underset{Z=14}{\downarrow}$
$ 1s^2, 2s^2 p^6 , 3s^2 p^2 , \underbrace{4s^2}_{empty}$
$\bold{\underline{(sp^3) hybridization}}$
N atoms $\rightarrow$ 8N quantum states
V = 230 volts
P = 100W
$ R = \frac{v^2}{P} = \frac{230 \times 230}{100} = 529 \Omega $
At room temperature R = 41$\Omega$
Summary
The electrons in an atom are arranged in discrete energy levels. Often they are termed as is, 25, 2p etc
Each energy level has some quantum states, each quantum state can have a maximum of one electron
In normal conditions (ground state of the atom), electrons start filling the quantum states from lowest energy levels
In solids, the outer electrons of one atom interact significantly with its neighbours and that shifts the energy levels of quantum states
Such interactions lead to spreading of sharp energy levels into energy bands separated by energy gaps
The lowest energy band which is not completely filled is called Conduction Band. This is due to the electronic structure only. No thermal excitation taken in account
The energy band just below the conduction band is called Valence Band
Electrons in valence band correspond to those strongly bonded to the atoms, whereas electrons in conduction band correspond to those weakly bound to the atoms
If the conduction band is partially empty, the material is a conductor
If the conduction band is completely empty, the material may be insulator or semiconductor
If the band gap is small, say less than 3 eV or so, the material is Semiconductor
If the band gap is large, say more than about 3 eV, the material is an Insulator
Because of thermal interactions, some electrons can go from valence band to conduction band leaving empty quantum states in the valence band
If an electric field is applied to a semiconductor, conduction can take place due to the electrons promoted to the conduction band and also due to electrons in the valance band shifting to fill the empty quantum states
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