Which of the following statement is correct?a)The fermi level of Silic...
Since copper is a metal, conductor, thus it has more number of free electrons in conduction band than that of silicon. Hence, fermi level of copper is at higher energy level than that of silicon.
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Which of the following statement is correct?a)The fermi level of Silic...
Explanation:
The correct statement is option 'C': The fermi level of copper is at a higher energy level compared to that of silicon as copper has more number of free electrons.
Reasoning:
1. Fermi level: The Fermi level represents the energy level at which the probability of finding an electron is 0.5 at absolute zero temperature (0 Kelvin or -273.15 degrees Celsius). It is also the energy level at which the highest energy electrons (at absolute zero) occupy the available states in a material.
2. Free electrons: Free electrons are the electrons that are not bound to any atom and are able to move freely in the material.
3. Energy levels: In a material, different energy levels are available for the electrons to occupy. These energy levels are determined by the atomic structure and the number of available states for the electrons to occupy.
4. Copper: Copper is a metal and has a large number of free electrons. This is because copper has a loosely bound outer electron, which can easily move through the lattice structure of the metal. Due to the large number of free electrons, the Fermi level in copper is at a higher energy level.
5. Silicon: Silicon is a semiconductor material and has a smaller number of free electrons compared to copper. This is because silicon has a more tightly bound outer electron, which requires more energy to move through the lattice structure. Due to the smaller number of free electrons, the Fermi level in silicon is at a lower energy level compared to copper.
6. Comparison: As copper has a larger number of free electrons compared to silicon, the Fermi level in copper is at a higher energy level. Therefore, option 'C' is the correct statement.
Conclusion:
The Fermi level in copper is at a higher energy level compared to that of silicon as copper has a larger number of free electrons.