Question

What are Semiconductors used for?

Answer 1

Semiconductors:

1. A semiconductor material has an electrical conductivity value that is intermediate between that of a conductor, such as metallic copper, and that of an insulator, such as glass.
2. Its resistivity decreases as its temperature rises; metals do the reverse.

Uses of semiconductors:

1. Semiconductors are essential components of electronic devices that enable advancements in communications, computers, healthcare, transportation, renewable energy, military systems, and a variety of other fields.
2. Semiconductors, unlike vacuum tubes, are resistant to shock.
3. They are smaller in size, take up less space, and consume less fuel.
4. In comparison to vacuum tubes, semiconductors are extremely sensitive to temperature and radiation.
5. Semiconductors are less expensive and have an indefinite lifespan than vacuum diodes.
6. Silicon ($\mathrm{Si}$), Germanium ($\mathrm{Ge}$), Gallium ($\mathrm{Ga}$), Arsenide ($\mathrm{As}$), and elements along the periodic table's "metalloid staircase" are all examples of semiconductors.
7. Gallium arsenide, the second most prevalent semiconductor after silicon, is utilized in laser diodes, solar cells, integrated microwave-frequency circuits, and other applications.