Question

Is mercury a semiconductor?

Answer 1

Explanation:

1. Semiconductor- The property of a substance that lies between conductor and insulator and is called a semiconductor.
2. Electric conduction of semiconductors is greater than insulators and less than conductors.
3. Mercury or its compound act as a semiconductor. Some examples are given below -

1. Mercury iodide ( ${\mathrm{HgI}}_2$) is used in gamma-ray and x-ray detectors, it operates at room temperature.
2. Mercury cadmium telluride ($\mathrm{HgCdTe}$) is used in sensitive cooled infrared imaging detectors.

Hence, mercury is a semiconductor.