Arrange the following in the increasing order of their energy band gap
(A) Si
(B) Ge
(C) C
(D) Sn
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → (D), (B), (A), (C)
Energy band gap refers to the energy difference between the valence band and the conduction band of a material.
Typical energy band gaps of the given elements are:
Sn (Tin): $E_g \approx 0.08$ eV (semimetal)
Ge (Germanium): $E_g \approx 0.66$ eV
Si (Silicon): $E_g \approx 1.1$ eV
C (Diamond): $E_g \approx 5.5$ eV
Increasing order of energy band gap:
Sn < Ge < Si < C