energy gap

The energy gap, also called the band gap, is the amount of energy needed for an electron in a material to jump from a low-energy state to a higher-energy state where it can conduct electricity. In insulators, this gap is large, making it difficult for electrons to move freely. In conductors, the gap is tiny or nonexistent, allowing electrons to flow easily. Semiconductors have a moderate gap, which can be influenced by factors like temperature or doping, enabling controlled electrical conductivity. This concept is fundamental to how electronic devices like computers and solar cells operate.