Question:

The energy required to break the covalent bond in a semiconductor is:

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In semiconductors, conduction starts when electrons cross the band gap — so bond energy = band gap energy.
Updated On: Apr 16, 2026
  • always 1 eV
  • equal to the forbidden energy gap of semiconductor
  • equal to Fermi energy
  • much less than Fermi energy
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Concept: In semiconductors, electrons are bound in covalent bonds. To free an electron for conduction, energy equal to the band gap (forbidden energy gap) must be supplied.

Step 1:
Understand bond breaking.
Breaking a covalent bond means promoting an electron from the valence band to the conduction band.

Step 2:
Relate to energy gap.
The minimum energy required is exactly the forbidden energy gap \(E_g\). \[ \therefore \text{Required energy} = E_g \]
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