Why do semiconductors conducts electricity at high temperatures?
Open in App
Solution
Semiconductors:
A semiconductor is a material or substance that has specific electrical properties that enable it to serve as a foundation for computers and other electronic devices.
Why do semiconductors conduct electricity at high temperatures?
Semi-conductors are unique materials because they conduct only intermittently at low voltages or at room temperature, but they conduct freely at high voltages and temperatures.
Like, It is fairly natural for us to jump when we accidentally touch a hot object like a frying pan because the heat is nothing but energy.
Similar to this, when you apply heat (energy) to semiconductors, the electrons absorb that energy and move from the valence band into the conduction band.
This requires some energy since there is an energy gap between the valence band and the conduction band.
Now that there are more free electrons in the conduction band (e- moved there after generating heat), conduction can happen more readily.
At normal temperature, a semiconductor has enough free electrons to conduct current.
While the electron is bonded, it is in a low energy state and does not carry electricity.
The electrons are thus introduced to two different levels of energy due to the presence of the link between the two atoms.
Hence, due to the above reasons, the semiconductors conducts electricity at high temperature.