| English | Semiconductor |
|---|---|
| Bahasa Melayu | Semikonduktor |
| 中文 | 半导体 |
Definition
A material whose electrical conductivity lies between that of a conductor and an insulator, such as silicon.
In exam terms
A semiconductor is a material whose electrical conductivity lies between that of a good conductor (like copper) and an insulator (like glass). Common examples are silicon and germanium.
At low temperatures a pure semiconductor behaves almost like an insulator, but its conductivity increases as temperature rises or when it is doped with impurities.
Example of correct use: silicon is the semiconductor used to make diodes and transistors because its conductivity can be controlled by adding tiny amounts of impurity atoms.
Do not confuse it with…
Do not confuse a semiconductor with a conductor. In a metal conductor, conductivity falls as temperature rises (more resistance); in a pure semiconductor, conductivity rises as temperature increases because more electrons gain energy to move freely.
In Paper 2 you may be asked to define a semiconductor or to compare it with a conductor and insulator; make the position between the two clear and name an example such as silicon.
Source: DSKP KSSM Physics Form 4 and 5 (Versi English) (Bahagian Pembangunan Kurikulum (BPK), KPM)