Q156 / 200 · Manipal (MET) 2011 · Physics

The energy gap between the valence and conduction bands of an insulator is about

  • A
    0.1 eV
  • B
    1.0 eV
  • Correct answer
    C
    5.0 eV
  • D
    Zero

Solution

An insulator has its valence band filled with electrons and its conduction band is empty. The energy gap is large approximately 5.0 eV , so it is not possible for ordinary process to provide enough energy for valence electrons to break out of their valence band and jump into the conduction band where they might carry electric current.
Figure

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'C'.

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