Question

The energy gaps $(E_g)$ between valence band and conduction band for diamond, silicon and germanium are in the order

• A. $E_g$ (diamond) $>E_g$ (silicon) $>E_g$ (germanium)
• B. $E_g$ (diamond) $<E_g$ (silicon) $<E_g$ (germanium)
• C. $E_g$ (diamond) $=E_g$ (silicon) $=E_g$ (germanium)
• D. $E_g$ (diamond) $>E_g$ (germanium) $>E_g$ (silicon)

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

The energy gaps $\left(E_g\right)$ between valence band and conduction band for diamond, silicon and germanium are in the order
$E_g$ (diamond) $>E_g$ (silicon) $>E_g$ (germanium)
Because diamond is an insulator and non-metallic character decreases down the group.