Question

Strong overlapping of different atomic orbital's makes (A) different energy level (B) energy band (C) Conductor (D) Insulators

Short answer

The best description of the outcome of strong overlapping of different atomic orbitals is (B) Energy band.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding atomic orbitals

Atomic orbitals represent the probability distribution of electrons in atoms. In other words, they define the regions where electrons can be found around the nucleus of an atom with the highest probability. The overlapping of orbitals occurs when their electron clouds come close enough to each other, leading to potential interactions between the electrons in these orbitals.

Different energy levels vs. Energy bands

Different energy levels refer to discrete energy states that electrons can occupy in an atom. However, strong overlapping of atomic orbitals can lead to the formation of energy bands in which the electrons can move between closely spaced levels. This transition from discrete energy levels to energy bands is more prominent in solids, especially in the context of crystals where the atoms are regularly arranged and their orbitals have a greater chance to overlap.

Role of overlapping in conductors and insulators

A key factor determining whether a material is a conductor or an insulator is the availability of states where electrons can move at low energy costs. In conductors, the energy bands are partially filled or overlap with the neighboring bands, allowing electrons to move between them easily and thus, conduct electricity. On the other hand, in insulators, there is a large energy gap between filled and empty bands, making it difficult for electrons to move and, thus, making the material insulating. Now, with these concepts in mind, let's look at the options provided in the exercise. (A) Different energy level: This option refers to discrete energy states, which is not necessarily a direct consequence of strong overlapping of orbitals. (B) Energy band: Strong overlapping of atomic orbitals can indeed lead to the formation of energy bands. (C) Conductor: Although overlapping orbitals may contribute to the formation of energy bands in conductors, merely stating that strong overlapping of orbitals makes a material a conductor may not be entirely accurate, as it depends on the distribution of energy states within these bands. (D) Insulators: Similar to conductors, strong overlapping of orbitals may contribute to the formation of insulating energy band structures, but just stating that it leads to insulators is not entirely correct, as it also depends on the details of the energy band distribution.

Final Answer

Based on our analysis, the option that best describes the outcome of strong overlapping of different atomic orbitals is: (B) Energy band