Question

In terms of band theory, what is the difference (i) Between a conductor and an insulator (ii) Between a conductor and a semiconductor

Answer 1

In case of conductor the gap between the valence band and conductor band is very small or overlaps that's why under an applied electric field the conductor (metals) shows conductivity (electron can flow easily) whereas in insulator the gap between filled valence band and the next higher energy unoccupied band

Answer 2

Answer :

In terms of band theory, the differences are given below :

(i) In a conductor, there is overlapping between conduction band an valence band, whereas in an insulator there is a large energy gap between conduction band and valence band.

(ii) In a conductor, there is partially filled valence band or there is overlapping between valence band and conduction, whereas in a semiconductor there is small energy gap between valence band and conduction.