valence band

noun

: the range of permissible energy values that are the highest energies an electron can have and still be associated with a particular atom of a solid material compare conduction band

Examples of valence band in a Sentence

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By carefully analyzing how the results changed with the polarization of light, the team could reconstruct the pseudospin texture of the electrons in the material’s valence band. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2025 When energy is applied, electrons will move from the valence band (the ground state) to the conduction band (the excited state) and can be harnessed as electrical energy. Tracy H. Schloemer, IEEE Spectrum, 19 Sep. 2023 In chemistry, bandgap is the distance between the conduction band and the valence band of the material’s atoms. Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, 11 May 2022 The ability of a solid material to conduct electricity depends on the ability to flow electrons from the valence band to the conduction band. Willy Shih, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2021 In silicon, electrons have to emit a photon and a sound vibration (a phonon) at the same time to reach the valence band. Chris Lee, Ars Technica, 22 July 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of valence band was in 1953

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Cite this Entry

“Valence band.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/valence%20band. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.

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