Band theory — UPSC IFoS 2025 Physics PYQ

Consider an energy band which is filled with electrons up to a certain value k_1 \left(k_1 < \frac{\pi}{a}\right). Determine the total effective number of free electrons in the energy band. Comment on the electron distribution in an insulator, intrinsic semiconductor and metals at 0\text{ K}. Symbols have their usual meanings.