If the electronic structure of a solid substance consists of a valence band that is completely filled with electrons and there is a large energy gap to the next set of orbitals,then this substance will be a(n)________.
A)alloy
B)insulator
C)conductor
D)semiconductor
E)nonmetal

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A completely filled valence band with a large energy gap to the next set of orbitals means that it requires a large amount of energy for electrons to move into the conduction band and become mobile. This lack of mobile electrons makes the substance a poor conductor, thus making it an insulator.

If the Electronic Structure of a Solid Substance Consists of a Valence