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As N isolated atoms are brought together -- up to the dimension of the lattice constant -- each atom's outer energy level (n=1,2,3,..) and associated angular momentum quantum states (l=0,1,2,3,...,n-1) cannot be degenerate (Pauli's exclusion principle). The energy levels from all N atoms overlap and form quasi-continuous energy bands which eventually merge as interatomic distance decreases. At the the *equilibrium interatomic distance* however this band will split again to form two discrete bands -- the valence and conduction band -- with quantum states in both. At ground state (no carrier excitation) all electrons will occupy the valence band states with all conduction band states empty. Given sufficient energy to surmount the forbidden energy gap (Eg=Ec-Ev) an electron can enter the conduction band (generation).

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Q: What is equilibrium interatomic distance?
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