Answer to Question #86360 in Physics for PAUL

Question

define Semiconductors
Name two main classifications of semiconductors.
What is a diode?

Answer 1

Semiconductors is the materials that occupy an intermediate position between conductors and dielectrics by their conductivity and differ from conductors by the strong dependence of specific conductivity on impurity concentration, temperature and the effects of various types of radiation.

There are two main groups or classifications that can be used to define different types of semiconductors:

N-type: the semiconductor material has an excess of electrons. 

P-type: there is a shortage of electrons in the semiconductor material, that is, there are “holes” in the crystal lattice. 

A semiconductor diode is an electronic element with different conductivity depending on the direction of the electric current. Semiconductor diode consists of two types of semiconductors - hole and electronic. In the process of contact between these regions, electrons pass from the region with the n-type semiconductor to the region with the p-type semiconductor, which then recombines with the holes. As a result, an electric field arises between the two regions, which sets the limit for semiconductor division, the so-called p – n junction.