2006-09-19 19:48:40 · 15 answers · asked by shazsha_1212 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
nor is water
2006-09-19 19:50:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
As long as a substance has charged particles that are free to move, electricity can be conducted.
In metals, these particles would be the free electrons in the valence shell that would come off.
In graphite (a form of carbon), it would be the extra electron that is not shared in the covalent bonds.
In molten NaCl, it would be due to the Na+ (sodium ions) and the Cl- (chloride ions).
In the case of silicon, it has 4 valence electrons which are engaged in the convalent bonds with other silicon atoms. However, some of these electrons (very few) are able to break free from the bonds, and the semiconductor, silicon, is hence able to conduct to a small extent.
2006-09-20 22:38:23 · answer #2 · answered by Kemmy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pure silicon does not conduct electricity. The silicon atom has 4 electrons in its outer shell, it is then mixed with other elements in a process called doping. Depending upon the element used the silicon will become an N type or P type semi conductor. A simple example of an N type semi conductor would be when silicon is mixed with say arsenic or antimony. As they have 5 electrons in the outer shell, 4 bond with the silicon leaving one free electron per atom. It is this free electron moving from atom to atom which allows the electricity to flow.
2006-09-20 03:09:05 · answer #3 · answered by John T 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Silicon is a semiconductor, which means that adding impurities allow it to become a conductor. Glass is deposited or grown from silicon to create insulators. Metals such as aluminum, copper, tungsten are deposited to create the interconnections between transistors, capacitors and resistors that are formed in the manufacturing process. After sawing, assembly and packaging you ended up with an IC (integrated circuit). Some are so small they look like a speck of dust, while others like CPUs are the size of your thumbnail.
2006-09-20 03:03:33 · answer #4 · answered by Kainoa 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Practically any substance will conduct electricity IF the current is great enough. Silicon is a "semi-conductor" - a substance whose ability to conduct is somewhere between an insulator and a conductor. This is one reason that a computer builds up so much heat, because of a partial resistance to the flow of electrons, which is transformed into heat.
2006-09-20 02:58:57 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
What a clever lot you are. I am not being sarcastic but with a little logical thought the question need never have been asked.
Another non metal for the list is carbon. One use of carbon is to feed the electricity to a motor via the carbon brushes on the commutator.
2006-09-20 03:08:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pure silicon is not a good conductor. Impurities are added which increases the conductivity substantially.
2006-09-20 03:13:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Silicon fits into the "semiconductor" category - sometimes it acts like a metal and conducts electicity, sometimes it acts like an insulator and doesn't.
2006-09-20 02:54:48 · answer #8 · answered by Asher S 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Are you made of metal? No, do you conduct electricity? Yes!
2006-09-20 02:51:27 · answer #9 · answered by claire 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
silicon is a semiconductor. is acts as an insulator and a condustor as well. depending on the situation, the energy offer in fact and how it is offered: polarity amount of energy etc....
2006-09-20 03:06:11 · answer #10 · answered by Emmanuel P 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Metal isn't the only thing that attracts electricity genius
2006-09-20 02:56:37 · answer #11 · answered by Mimi 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋