Question

silicon is used widely even though germanium is a better semiconductor material,why?

Answer 1

The valence electrons of germanium are in 4^th shell while the valence electrons of silicon are in the 3^rd shell. Therefore, the electrons of germanium are farther from nucleus and thus more loosely held than the electrons of silicon. So, at higher temperatures, germanium is less stable as compared to silicon since the valence electrons of germanium can more easily escape from the atom. Hence, silicon is used widely even though germanium is a better semiconductor material.