Question:
The energy gap between the valence and conduction bands of an insulator is about:
The energy gap between the valence and conduction bands of an insulator is about:
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In insulators, the energy gap is large, typically around 5 eV, making it difficult for electrons to move from the valence band to the conduction band.
Updated On: Apr 22, 2026
- 0.1 eV
- 1.0 eV
- 5.0 eV
- zero
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the energy gap in insulators.
In insulators, the energy gap between the valence band (where electrons are bound to the atoms) and the conduction band (where electrons can move freely) is significantly wide. This wide gap prevents electrons from easily moving into the conduction band under normal conditions.
Step 2: Size of the energy gap.
For insulators, the energy gap is typically much larger than that in semiconductors, which typically have energy gaps around 1.1 eV. For insulators like diamond or glass, the energy gap is usually around 5 eV or more. This large gap results in the inability of electrons to jump to the conduction band at room temperature.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The energy gap between the valence and conduction bands in an insulator is typically around 5.0 eV, which prevents electrical conduction.
In insulators, the energy gap between the valence band (where electrons are bound to the atoms) and the conduction band (where electrons can move freely) is significantly wide. This wide gap prevents electrons from easily moving into the conduction band under normal conditions.
Step 2: Size of the energy gap.
For insulators, the energy gap is typically much larger than that in semiconductors, which typically have energy gaps around 1.1 eV. For insulators like diamond or glass, the energy gap is usually around 5 eV or more. This large gap results in the inability of electrons to jump to the conduction band at room temperature.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The energy gap between the valence and conduction bands in an insulator is typically around 5.0 eV, which prevents electrical conduction.
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