periodic potential

A periodic potential refers to a repeating pattern of energy barriers or wells that electrons experience within a material, such as a crystal lattice. Imagine a landscape of hills and valleys that repeats at regular intervals; electrons traveling through this landscape encounter consistent obstacles and pathways. This repeating structure influences how electrons move, leading to the formation of energy bands and band gaps, which are fundamental for understanding electrical conductivity and semiconductor behavior in materials like metals, insulators, and semiconductors.