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QPages 416-417: Q3: HC Verma: Concepts of Physics - Volume 2 Semiconductors and Semiconductor Devices Pages 416-417: Q3 Solution: The conduction band of a solid is partially filled at 0 K. Will …

⚠️ Common Exam Traps & Conceptual Pitfalls

Students often mistake a partially filled conduction band at 0 K for a semiconductor, overlooking that a true semiconductor’s conduction band is empty at absolute zero; a band that is partially occupied places the Fermi level inside the band, guaranteeing metallic conductivity.

The conduction band of a solid is partially filled at 0 K. Will it be a conductor, a semiconductor or an insulator?

Step-by-Step Verified Solution

**Answer:** It will be a conductor. **Step-by-Step Explanation:** If the conduction band is partially filled at 0 K, electrons can easily gain energy from an applied electric field and move to higher unoccupied states within the same band. This allows current to flow, making the material a conductor .

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