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conduction band
noun
: the range of permissible energy values which an electron in a solid material can have that allows the electron to dissociate from a particular atom and become a free charge carrier in the material compare valence band
Examples of conduction band in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
When energy is applied, electrons will move from the valence band (the ground state) to the conduction band (the excited state) and can be harnessed as electrical energy.
—Tracy H. Schloemer, IEEE Spectrum, 19 Sep. 2023
The bandgap of a semiconductor is defined as the energy, in electron volts, needed for an electron in the semiconductor lattice to jump from the valence band to the conduction band.
—IEEE Spectrum, 26 Mar. 2023
An electron in the valence band participates in the bonding of atoms within the crystal lattice, whereas in the conduction band electrons are free to move around in the lattice and conduct electricity.
—IEEE Spectrum, 26 Mar. 2023
In chemistry, bandgap is the distance between the conduction band and the valence band of the material’s atoms.
—Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, 11 May 2022
The ability of a solid material to conduct electricity depends on the ability to flow electrons from the valence band to the conduction band.
—Willy Shih, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2021
In a light-emitting diode, electrons drop out of the conduction band by losing energy in the form of light.
—Chris Lee, Ars Technica, 22 July 2019
For this to work, the energy difference between the conduction band and the valence band needs to be reversed.
—Chris Lee, Ars Technica, 1 June 2019
Instead of directly absorbing energy, electrons can also tunnel through barriers to get to the conduction band.
—Chris Lee, Ars Technica, 1 June 2019
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Word History
First Known Use
1939, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near conduction band
Cite this Entry
“Conduction band.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conduction%20band. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
More from Merriam-Webster on conduction band
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about conduction band
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