Question

Explain why, in a simple model, a bivalent material could be considered to be an
insulator. Also explain why this simple argument is not true.

Answer 1

In a simple model bivalent material could be considered to be an insulator which actually does not happen ,this is because the valence band of the bivalent material partially overlaps the conduction band because of the weak binding energy of the valence electrons in their atomic nuclei .If such an overlapping of band occurs valence electrons flow in the lower portion of the next higher band as electrons tend to have low potential energy. which further results in bivalent material having partially filled bands which is the property of conductor