Draw an MO energy-level diagram for beryllium metal, and show the population of the MOs for the following two cases. (a) The 2s and 2p bands are well separated in energy. (b) The 2s and 2p bands overlap in energy. Which diagram agrees with the fact that beryllium has a high electrical conductivity? Explain.

Key Concepts

Molecular Orbital Theory

Molecular Orbital (MO) Theory describes how atomic orbitals combine to form molecular orbitals that can be occupied by electrons. In this theory, electrons are delocalized over the entire molecule rather than being confined to individual atoms. Understanding MO diagrams is crucial for predicting the electronic structure and properties of materials, including conductivity.

Energy Bands in Solids

In solid-state physics, energy bands are ranges of energy levels that electrons can occupy. The 2s and 2p bands refer to the energy levels associated with the s and p orbitals of the atoms in a solid. The separation or overlap of these bands influences the material's electrical properties, such as conductivity, with overlapping bands typically allowing for easier electron movement.

Electrical Conductivity

Electrical conductivity is the ability of a material to conduct electric current, which depends on the availability of free charge carriers (electrons or holes). In metals like beryllium, high conductivity is often associated with overlapping energy bands, allowing electrons to move freely under an applied electric field. This concept is essential for understanding why certain MO diagrams correlate with high conductivity.