Question

For semiconductors, the major factor affecting the value of resistivity when temperature changes is

Answer 1

Resistivity vs temperature for semiconductors:

1. With an increase in the temperature of a semiconductor, the number of free charge carriers increases.
2. This is because of the breaking of more covalent bonds.
3. Therefore, the number of free electrons inside a semiconductor also increases.
4. So, the conductivity of the semiconductor increases.
5. Therefore, the resistivity decreases with an increase in temperature.

Hence, the number of free electrons is the major factor affecting the value of resistivity when the temperature changes.