Conductieband

Conductieband is a term used in solid-state physics to describe the energy band in a solid where electrons are free to move and conduct electrical current. In crystalline solids, electrons occupy distinct energy levels that are grouped into bands. The lowest energy bands are typically the valence bands, where electrons are bound to individual atoms and are not free to move. Above the valence band is a gap, known as the band gap, and then comes the conduction band.

If the conduction band is only partially filled with electrons, or if it overlaps with the valence band, then electrons can easily gain enough energy to move into vacant states within the conduction band, thereby enabling electrical conduction. In semiconductors, the band gap is relatively small, allowing some electrons to jump from the valence band to the conduction band when energy is supplied, for example, through heat or light. In conductors like metals, the conduction band is either partially filled or overlaps with the valence band, meaning there is no significant energy barrier for electrons to become mobile and conduct electricity. Insulators have a large band gap, making it very difficult for electrons to reach the conduction band, thus preventing significant electrical current flow. The behavior of electrons in the conduction band is crucial for understanding the electrical properties of materials.