Why a semiconductor behaves as an insulator at zero degree kelvin?
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Answered by
53
Heyya!
At absolute zero (0K), an intrinsic semiconductor will act like a perfect insulator. At this temperature, the electrons in the valence band will remain there. The heat energy required to excite the electrons from the valence band to the conduction band is insufficient at 0K. When the temperature increases, some of the electrons from the valence band got excited and moves to the conduction band. This will give rise to the conductivity of the semiconductor.
Hope it helps! : )
At absolute zero (0K), an intrinsic semiconductor will act like a perfect insulator. At this temperature, the electrons in the valence band will remain there. The heat energy required to excite the electrons from the valence band to the conduction band is insufficient at 0K. When the temperature increases, some of the electrons from the valence band got excited and moves to the conduction band. This will give rise to the conductivity of the semiconductor.
Hope it helps! : )
Answered by
16
The semiconductors conduct current by moving holes or electrons.
Transport of electrons require certain amount of kinetic energy which is simply not present as temperature is zero.
Also, some energy is required to knock off electrons from the outermost shell to conduct electricity.
Certain amount of energy is required to transport the electrons from valence band to conduction band. As there is not temperature to provide kinetic energy electrons remain in valence band and do not conduct electricity, as the result, at absolute zero, semiconductors work as perfect insulators conducting no electricity.
Transport of electrons require certain amount of kinetic energy which is simply not present as temperature is zero.
Also, some energy is required to knock off electrons from the outermost shell to conduct electricity.
Certain amount of energy is required to transport the electrons from valence band to conduction band. As there is not temperature to provide kinetic energy electrons remain in valence band and do not conduct electricity, as the result, at absolute zero, semiconductors work as perfect insulators conducting no electricity.
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