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Questions and Answers
What are semiconductors?
What are semiconductors?
Materials with conductivity between conductors and insulators.
Which of these is NOT a commonly used semiconductor?
Which of these is NOT a commonly used semiconductor?
- Gallium arsenide
- Copper (correct)
- Silicon
- Germanium
Silicon is used in electronic circuit fabrication.
Silicon is used in electronic circuit fabrication.
True (A)
What is the process of adding impurities to a semiconductor called?
What is the process of adding impurities to a semiconductor called?
Match the type of semiconductor to their properties:
Match the type of semiconductor to their properties:
What happens to the conduction capability of intrinsic semiconductors at room temperature?
What happens to the conduction capability of intrinsic semiconductors at room temperature?
In N-Type extrinsic semiconductors, holes are majority carriers.
In N-Type extrinsic semiconductors, holes are majority carriers.
Name one everyday use of semiconductors.
Name one everyday use of semiconductors.
Semiconductors are used in __________ for controlling operations.
Semiconductors are used in __________ for controlling operations.
Semiconductor devices require a large amount of input power.
Semiconductor devices require a large amount of input power.
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Study Notes
Overview of Semiconductors
- Semiconductors are materials with conductivity levels between conductors (like metals) and insulators (such as ceramics).
- Common semiconductors include gallium arsenide, germanium, and silicon.
- Silicon is prevalent in electronic circuits; gallium arsenide is utilized in solar cells and laser diodes.
Properties of Semiconductors
- Resistivity is between that of insulators and conductors.
- Exhibits a negative temperature coefficient: resistance increases as temperature decreases.
- Conductivity can be altered by adding metallic impurities, known as doping.
Types of Semiconductors
- Two primary categories: intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors.
Intrinsic Semiconductors
- Extremely pure semiconductors with equal numbers of free electrons and holes.
- Offers low conduction capability at room temperature.
- Doping is used to enhance conduction capabilities.
Extrinsic Semiconductors
- Result from doping intrinsic semiconductors with impurities.
- Two types exist:
- N-type Extrinsic Semiconductor
- Formed by adding a pentavalent impurity (5 valence electrons).
- Electrons are the majority carriers; holes are the minority.
- P-type Extrinsic Semiconductor
- Formed by adding a trivalent impurity (3 valence electrons).
- Holes are the majority carriers; electrons are the minority.
- N-type Extrinsic Semiconductor
Everyday Applications of Semiconductors
- Utilized in temperature sensors, 3D printing machines, microchips, and self-driving cars.
- Essential components in calculators, solar panels, and various electronic devices.
- Transistors and MOSFETs serve as switches in electrical circuits and are made from semiconductors.
Industrial Uses of Semiconductors
- Key in the design of microchips, transistors, LEDs, and solar cells.
- Microprocessors for space vehicles, trains, and robots depend on semiconductor materials for functionality.
Importance of Semiconductors
- Highly portable due to compact size.
- Require less input power compared to traditional components.
- Semiconductor devices are shockproof, ensuring durability.
- Boast longer lifespans and operate with minimal noise.
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