Why can't a semiconductor be called as a semiinsulator?

Answer 1

The reference will give you some feeling for the answer. The phenomenon of interest is conduction. An insulator is something that prevents conduction, or doesn't conduct, or conducts very poorly. Now that we know how useful semiconductors are, the name is very appropriate. If the other name had been chosen, it would now sound as strange as turning off the dark instead of turning on the light.

Answer 2

Look
......
a semiconductor in n"normal" state does not conduct current. therfore it is an insulator.
upon a given stimulation (electric field, radiation, temperature) then it starts to conduct. therefore.

you need an initiative and when you have it is conducts.

that is why it is called a semi conductor.

i do not recall the material that is a conductor and with extrenal stimulataion it becomes an insulator.

Answer 3

semiconductors sit on a threshold of conductivity or insulation. the number of electrons in its outer electron shell allows for conductivity when it is influenced by an outside condition such as heat, light or small electrical currents. it can also be easily pushed towards being an insulator in a simular manner. what determines which way it goes is a matter or changing the molecular structure of the silicon. you can do this with etching or dopeing the silicon. dopeing is to add a specific type of impurity. for example many transistors use arsnic in very small doses to change the shape of the silicon structure.

Answer 4

Simply because the creation of semiconductor (Small scale of electrical item) is use to conduct the electrical pulse or wave and not to insulate them.

If semiinsulator term come out, make sure the your semi - insulation can affect mankind

Answer 5

because it's nigther the condutor nor the insulator.it follow the property lies between these two catagories.

semi mesns half.hope u have a concept of semi circle and cirle.like that,its not a conductor,having the property of conducting current but not as much as conductor......so this name had been given.
but the insulators are that which can;t carry current,as the semi conductors can carry current(minor like diode,transistor...etc)it can't be say insulator or semi insulator.

it has lesser no of free electrons than condutor,but more than insulator.so it can carry current not as much like a conductor,but more than an insulator...........so it's called semiconductor.

Answer 6

Literally speaking, yes, you have a point. it can be called a Semiconductor or a Semi-insulator.

However, it is usual to look at what a particular thing or person CAN do and call it accordingly, rather than by what it CANNOT do.

If you are a qualified brain surgeon, will you prefer being refered to as M.D (non-opthalmologist or non-any other discipline) or would it have to be M.D neurology???

Answer 7

because a semi insulator has no use. If you want to insulate something, you want total insulation.

YOu might possibly want a semi conductor to control the amount of electricity passing through a substance.

And also i think people want to relate it to activity, not inactivity.

Answer 8

Because it conducts, not insulate. an insulator insulates in any situation

Answer 9

Because it isn't used to insulate, it is used to conduct.

Answer 10

b cause they r mostly used for conduction perpose not for insulation....