Question

According to the band theory, increase in number of atoms participating in crystal formation leads to ________ in number of molecular orbitals containing electrons.

(a) decrease

(b) increase

(c) no change

(d) either increase or decrease, depending upon the size of the atoms

The question was posed to me in my homework.

This question is from Solid State Electrical Properties topic in division Solid State of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer 1

The correct answer is (b) increase

To elaborate: The band theory assumes that atomic orbitals of the atoms of the crystal combine to form molecular orbitals which are spread over the whole crystal structure. Hence, the number of atoms is directly proportional to the number of molecular orbitals formed.