Chapter 24.2, Problem 11R

To determine

To describe: Semiconductors and their use.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

A semiconductor can neither be termed as a conductor nor an insulator.

The conductivity of a semiconductor is not as good as a conductor or bad as an insulator. So a semiconductor cannot be classified as a conductor or an insulator. The conductivity of a semiconductor can also be modified through doping. Adding impurity atoms to a semiconductor to modify its conductivity is called doping. This property of a semiconductor makes it useful in some electronic devices like computers, cell phones, calculators, amplifiers etcetera. Silicon and Germanium are some examples of semiconductors.

Conclusion:

The very famous ‘Silicon Valley’ is named so because of their wide use of silicon.