What are semiconductors basically?
Difference btw semiconductors and conductors?
Diff btw semiconductors and insulators?
In what sense, are they called "semi"-conductors?
I want to intuitively understand semiconductors..
Thanks
2007-10-06 16:21:18 · 6 answers · asked by learner 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
i think semiconductor is used in solar cells and computer processors and such.
the main property is that it can act as an insulator or a conductor.
2007-10-06 16:24:59 · answer #1 · answered by Curious 3 · 0⤊ 4⤋
It all has to do with how easily electrons can move from one atom to the next in the material. In conductors, electrons are free to jump from one atom th the next, so any voltage applied to the material will cause electrons to flow. The electrons in a semiconductor are free to move once they overcome an energy threshhold (the band gap) in their atom. Specially engineered semiconductor materials are used in electronic devices (also called semiconductors). By joining different semiconductor materials, you can create junctions that only allow current flow in one direction (a diode) or let you control the flow by applying a small voltage (a transistor). This is a gross simplification, of course.
Insulators are just materials where the electrons are tightly bound to their atoms and can't be induced to wander.
2007-10-07 00:38:52 · answer #2 · answered by injanier 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Semi conductors allow electrons to flow through them when a controlling voltage is applied to them. When this voltage is not present no current will flow.
The most basic form (a diode) uses what is called a PN junction where the P has electron holes and the N has electrons. When a voltage is applied the electrons can only go from the N to the P creating current flow.
The material used are made using special doping processes to give them these characteristics on the molecular level.
Conductors are simply roadways for electrons to ride on, they are not used to control the flow of electrons, they just pass them through.
Insulators Block electrons from leaking out, like a copper wire has a thermoplastic jacket on it so you wont be electricuted when you plug in a lamp.
2007-10-06 23:55:36 · answer #3 · answered by good gesser 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Conductors are substances which permit a ready flow of electrons.So ,electric current can pass through it.The example is copper.
Insulators are substances which does not allow the flow of elctrons.So they cannot be used to pass electric current.The example is porcelain and wood.Semiconductor is a substance through which electric current will flow only with great difficulty.The best example is germanium.Substances of this type are classified in between the conductors and the insulators.They allow current in one direction and does not allow in the opposite direction.
2007-10-07 00:08:38 · answer #4 · answered by Arasan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A type of semi-conductor would be a transistor. A semi-conductor has the ability to either conduct electricity, or to not conduct it. Go to the library and look for books about transistors, and how they were developed. This should give you the information that you are seeking.
2007-10-06 23:43:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
semiconductors means which partially allows the electricity to pass through them ex.silicon,germinium...
conductors allows the electricity to pass through them fully.
Ex. Copper,iron..
Insulators means they donot allows the electricity to pass through them at all...
Ex. Wood,rubber................
2007-10-07 00:24:10 · answer #6 · answered by Rajeevaga 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋