How can electrical conductivity of metals, insulator and semiconductors be explained qualitatively?

Open in App

Solution

Metals have a very high value of electrical conductivity. Conductivity is of order $10^{2}$ to $10^{8} S m^{- 1}$ .
Insulators: These solids have a very low value of conductivity. Order of conductivity is $10^{- 10}$ to $10^{8} S m^{- 19}$ .
Semiconductors: These solids have conductivity in between metals and insulators. Order of conductivity is $10^{0}$ to $10^{- 5} S m^{- 1}$ .

Suggest Corrections

Similar questions

Which of the following represent correct order of conductivity in solids ?

(a) $K_{m e t a l s} >> K_{i n s u l a t o r s} < K_{s e m i c o n d u c t o r s}$

(b) $K_{m e t a l s} << K_{i n s u l a t o r s} < K_{s e m i c o n d u c t o r s}$

(d) $K_{m e t a l s} < K_{s e m i c o n d u c t o r s} > K_{i n s u l a t o r s} \neq z e r o$

Explain about conductivity in conductors, insulators, semiconductors(increase or decrease and why)when temperature and pressure changes?

Join BYJU'S Learning Program