Question -
Answer -
(i) Between a conductor and an insulator
(ii) Between a conductor and a semiconductor
Answer
(i) The valence band of a conductor ispartially-filled or it overlaps with a higher energy, unoccupied conductionband.
On the other hand, inthe case of an insulator, the valence band is fully- filled and there is alarge gap between the valence band and the conduction band.
(ii) In the case of a conductor, the valenceband is partially-filled or it overlaps with a higher energy, unoccupiedconduction band. So, the electrons can flow easily under an applied electricfield.
On the other hand, thevalence band of a semiconductor is filled and there is a small gap between thevalence band and the next higher conduction band. Therefore, some electrons canjump from the valence band to the conduction band and conduct electricity.