Question:medium

In semiconductors at a room temperature

Updated On: Apr 30, 2026
  • The valence band is completely filled and the conduction band is partially filled

  • The valence band is completely filled

  • The conduction band is completely empty

  • The valence band is partially empty and the conduction band is partially filled

Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

To understand the behavior of semiconductors at room temperature, we need to examine the electronic band structure of materials.

A semiconductor is characterized by having an energy gap (band gap) between its valence band and conduction band. The behavior of electrons in these bands is crucial to the material's electrical properties.

  1. Valence Band: In semiconductors, the valence band is the highest energy band that is completely filled with electrons at absolute zero temperature. However, at room temperature, some electrons gain enough thermal energy to jump into the conduction band, leaving behind holes. This explains why the valence band in semiconductors becomes partially empty at room temperature.
  2. Conduction Band: In contrast to the valence band, the conduction band is initially empty at absolute zero. At room temperature, some electrons that gain enough energy from the thermal environment can jump into this band, resulting in a partially filled conduction band. These free electrons can conduct electricity through the material.

With this understanding, we can examine the options:

  • Option 1: "The valence band is completely filled and the conduction band is partially filled." - This is incorrect because, at room temperature, the valence band is not completely filled; it becomes partially empty due to electron transitions.
  • Option 2: "The valence band is completely filled." - This is incorrect for the same reason as above; some electrons have moved out of the valence band at room temperature.
  • Option 3: "The conduction band is completely empty." - This is incorrect as the conduction band becomes partially filled with electrons at room temperature.
  • Option 4: "The valence band is partially empty and the conduction band is partially filled." - This is correct because it accurately describes the electron distribution in a semiconductor at room temperature.

Thus, the correct answer is: The valence band is partially empty and the conduction band is partially filled.

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