Energy band theory

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-003919",
  "term": "Energy band theory",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A theoretical framework used to describe the electronic structure of solids and polymers, explaining their electrical and optical properties. It posits that the discrete atomic energy levels broaden into continuous bands of allowed energies when atoms form a periodic lattice. This theory distinguishes between conductors, semiconductors, and insulators based on the size of their energy gaps.",
  "synonyms": [
    "electronic band theory"
  ],
  "subject": "Polymer",
  "see_also": [
    "lattice"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2022, 94, 15. 'Glossary of terms relating to electronic, photonic and magnetic properties of polymers (IUPAC Recommendations 2021)' on page 29 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2020-0501)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/energy-band-theory/"
}