Electronic band structure

Electronic band structure describes how electrons behave inside a solid material, like a metal or semiconductor. Instead of having individual energy levels, electrons occupy ranges of energies called bands. The way these bands are arranged determines whether a material conducts electricity easily (metal), poorly (semiconductor), or not at all (insulator). In metals, some energy bands overlap, allowing electrons to flow freely. In insulators, there’s a gap preventing electrons from moving easily. The band structure is fundamental to understanding a material's electrical properties and is influenced by the material’s atomic arrangement.