Question

For a material that contains n atoms, how many electron states will there be in a p band

Answer 1

There will be 3N electron states in a p band.

Step-by-step explanation:

In chemistry it is learned that under normal conditions atoms that have 4 electrons in the last valence shell are not stable. Semiconductors fall into this group, but because of the way in which they group their atoms, they can achieve stability by making four covalent chemical bonds, getting 8 electrons in the last shell, and consequently becoming chemically stable. However, semiconductors form Energy Bands. The above question is referring to a semiconductor.

Each energy level in a semiconductor splits, forming a series of atoms next to each other known as energy bands. The number of atoms within these bands will be equal to the sum of all equivalent atoms of the N atoms present in the semiconductor solid. For example, an s band will consist of N atoms and a p band of 3N atoms.

Answer 2

Number of states present in each band will be equal to total of all the states contributed by N atoms.

For instance, s band will contain N states.

Similarly, a p band will contain 3N states.