Which statement best explains how the bands in the crystal of a metal are analogous to atomic orbitals?

• A. Bands in a metal crystal are formed by the overlap of many atomic orbitals, creating a range of energy levels similar to the discrete energies of atomic orbitals.
• B. Bands in a metal crystal are identical to atomic orbitals because both contain only one energy level.
• C. Bands in a metal crystal are created by the movement of ions, just as atomic orbitals are formed by the movement of electrons.
• D. Bands in a metal crystal represent the physical arrangement of atoms, while atomic orbitals represent the arrangement of protons.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that atomic orbitals are regions around a single atom where electrons are likely to be found, each with discrete energy levels.
2. Recognize that in a metal crystal, many atoms are closely packed together, causing their atomic orbitals to overlap.
3. This overlap of atomic orbitals from many atoms leads to the formation of energy bands, which are continuous ranges of energy levels rather than discrete ones.
4. These bands allow electrons to move freely through the metal, which explains properties like electrical conductivity.
5. Therefore, the bands in a metal crystal are analogous to atomic orbitals because they originate from the combination and overlap of many atomic orbitals, creating a range of energy levels similar in concept to the discrete energies of individual atomic orbitals.