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QPages 416-417: Q2: HC Verma: Concepts of Physics - Volume 2 Semiconductors and Semiconductor Devices Pages 416-417: Q2 Solution: There are energy bands in a solid. Do we have really continuous …

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Students often assume that energy bands are inherently continuous, but they are actually composed of discrete levels that are so densely packed in a macroscopic solid that they appear continuous. Remember that the number of levels equals the number of atoms, so the spacing is finite, not zero.

There are energy bands in a solid. Do we have really continuous energy variation in a band or do we have very closely spaced but still discrete energy levels?

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**Answer:** Energy bands consist of very closely spaced but still discrete energy levels. **Step-by-Step Explanation:** When atoms are brought together to form a solid, their discrete energy levels broaden into bands. However, the number of levels in a band equals the number of atoms, and they remain discrete (though extremely close together). For a macroscopic solid, the spacing is so small that the band appears continuous .

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