Free interactive chemistry · SIM-CRYS-002
Band formation
Atomic energy levels spread into bands as more atoms join a chain.
Open the interactive simulation →How to use this simulation
- Move the “Atoms in the chain” slider.
- Change the s–p separation.
- Choose 1 or 2 valence electrons per atom.
What to notice
- N atoms give N levels in each band.
- A partly filled band makes a metal; a full band plus a gap makes an insulator or semiconductor.
Try this
With 2 electrons per atom, drag the s–p separation below zero. Why does it become a metal, like Mg?
Try it for free →