Question

What is the best semiconductor ?

• A. Wood
• B. Paper
• C. Silicon
• D. Copper

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Silicon

Explanation for correct answer:

1. In the case of option C: The valency of Silicon is $4$ as Silicon has an atomic number $14$. Due to this $4$ valence electron in the outermost energy shell, they have the ability to hold them tightly and in a very intricate manner which makes silicon a good semiconductor.

Explanation for incorrect answer:

1. In the case of option A: Wood is an insulator. The space between the conduction band and valance band is very large such that the free electron does not have enough energy to move from the valence band to the conduction band. So, wood does not behave like semiconductors.
2. In the case of option B: Paper is also an insulator. The free-electron present in the valence band does not have enough ample energy to cross the energy gap.
3. In the case of option D: Copper is a conductor, not a semiconductor. It means that there is a negligible gap between the conduction band and the valence band. Due to a very less energy gap, the free electron can move even with very less voltage.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).