Electrical Properties: Conductors, Semiconductors, and Insulators

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Questions and Answers

What is the relationship between resistivity and conductivity of a material?

Conductivity is inversely proportional to resistivity (correct)

Conductivity is equal to resistivity

Conductivity is independent of resistivity

Conductivity is directly proportional to resistivity

What is the main factor that determines the conductivity of an electrolyte?

Geometry of the electrolyte

Temperature (correct)

Impurities

Sample size

What is the term for the flow of electrically charged particles in response to an applied electric field?

Electrical conduction (correct)

Electrostatic attraction

Electromagnetic induction

Electromagnetic radiation

Which of the following materials has zero resistance at a certain temperature?

Superconductor Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of deformation on the conductivity of metals?

Conductivity decreases Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the voltage divided by the current in a material?

Resistance Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate conductivity of silver at room temperature in Siemens per meter?

6.8 x 10^7 Signup and view all the answers

What type of semiconductor is formed when a phosphorus atom is added to silicon?

n-type Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the conductivity of a doped semiconductor at very low temperatures (T < 100 K)?

it decreases due to 'freeze-out' Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of doping on the conductivity of silicon?

it increases the conductivity due to imperfection sites Signup and view all the answers

What type of impurity is zinc when added to the compound semiconductor GaAs?

donor Signup and view all the answers

At what temperature range is the conductivity of a doped semiconductor considered 'extrinsic'?

150 K < T < 450 K Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a p-n rectifying junction diode?

To allow flow of electrons in one direction only Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a p-n junction is forward biased?

Holes and electrons recombine at the p-n junction Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of charge carrier movement in thick solar cells?

Diffusion Signup and view all the answers

What type of semiconductor material is used for the p-type region in a p-n junction?

P-doped crystal Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of light exciting electrons in a solar panel?

Electron-hole pairs separate in the electric field Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an application of p-n junctions?

Light emitting diodes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Resistivity and Conductivity

Resistivity and conductivity are inversely related; high resistivity indicates low conductivity and vice versa.
Conductivity is primarily determined by charge carriers' concentration and mobility.

Conductivity of Electrolytes

The main factor influencing electrolyte conductivity is the presence and concentration of ions.

Charge Flow

The flow of electrically charged particles in response to an applied electric field is known as current.

Zero Resistance Material

Certain materials exhibit zero resistance at specific temperatures, a phenomenon known as superconductivity.

Effect of Deformation on Metals

Deformation in metals typically results in increased resistivity and reduced conductivity due to dislocation movement.

Voltage and Current Relationship

The term for voltage divided by current in a material is resistance.

Conductivity of Silver

The approximate conductivity of silver at room temperature is around 63 x 10^6 Siemens per meter.

Semiconductor Type from Doping

Adding phosphorus to silicon forms an n-type semiconductor, characterized by excess electrons.

Conductivity at Low Temperatures

The conductivity of a doped semiconductor decreases significantly at temperatures below 100 K, approaching that of an intrinsic semiconductor.

Effect of Doping on Silicon

Doping silicon increases its conductivity by introducing additional charge carriers (electrons or holes).

Zinc as an Impurity

When zinc is added to the compound semiconductor GaAs, it acts as a p-type dopant.

Extrinsic Conductivity Range

A doped semiconductor exhibits extrinsic conductivity typically in the temperature range of 200 K to 400 K.

Function of p-n Junction Diode

The primary function of a p-n rectifying junction diode is to allow current to flow in one direction while blocking it in the reverse direction.

Forward Bias in p-n Junction

When a p-n junction is forward biased, charge carriers are injected into the depletion region, allowing current to flow.

Charge Carrier Movement in Solar Cells

In thick solar cells, the primary mechanism of charge carrier movement is diffusion.

p-Type Region Material

The material used for the p-type region in a p-n junction is typically doped with elements like boron.

Light Excitation in Solar Panels

When light excites electrons in a solar panel, it generates electron-hole pairs, contributing to current flow.

p-n Junction Applications

p-n junctions are widely used in various applications, including diodes, transistors, and photovoltaic cells.

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Description

Test your understanding of electrical properties, including conductance, resistance, and the characteristics of conductors, semiconductors, and insulators. Explore how imperfections, temperature, and deformation affect conductivity in metals and semiconductors. Also, delve into the world of p-n junctions, transistors, and conducting polymers.