Which solid would you expect to have little or no band gap? a. Zn(s) b. Si(s) c. As(s)

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Step 1: Understand the concept of band gap. The band gap is the energy difference between the top of the valence band and the bottom of the conduction band in insulators and semiconductors. Metals typically have no band gap because their valence and conduction bands overlap.

Step 2: Identify the type of each solid. Zn(s) is a metal, Si(s) is a semiconductor, and As(s) is a metalloid.

Step 3: Apply the concept of band gap to each type of solid. Metals like Zn(s) have no band gap, semiconductors like Si(s) have a small band gap, and metalloids like As(s) can vary.

Step 4: Based on the information above, we would expect Zn(s), a metal, to have little or no band gap.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Band Gap

The band gap is the energy difference between the valence band and the conduction band in a solid material. It determines the electrical conductivity of the material; a small or nonexistent band gap allows electrons to move freely, making the material a good conductor. In contrast, a large band gap typically indicates an insulator or semiconductor.

Conductors vs. Semiconductors vs. Insulators

Materials are classified based on their ability to conduct electricity. Conductors, like metals, have little to no band gap, allowing electrons to flow easily. Semiconductors, such as silicon, have a moderate band gap that can be overcome under certain conditions, while insulators have a large band gap, preventing electron flow under normal circumstances.

Properties of Zn, Si, and As

Zinc (Zn) is a metal known for its conductive properties, typically exhibiting little to no band gap. Silicon (Si) is a semiconductor with a moderate band gap, while arsenic (As) can behave as a semiconductor or a metal depending on its allotrope. Understanding the electronic properties of these materials is crucial for predicting their behavior in terms of conductivity and band gap.