Chapter 29.1, Problem 24SSC

To determine

The effect of temperature on intrinsic semiconductor or doped semiconductor.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The valence band contains electrons in the valence shell which are not free to move. When energy is supplied, the electrons in the valence band move to conduction band in which they are free to move. The amount of energy required depends on the type of material.

For semiconductors, the band gap is relatively smaller than the band gap for insulators. With the increase in temperature, the electrons in the valence band of the semiconductors get enough energy to cross the band gap to conduction band, which increases the conductivity of the intrinsic semiconductor or doped semiconductor.

Conclusion:

With the increase in temperature the electrons in the valence band of the semiconductors get enough energy cross the band gap to conduction band, which increases the conductivity of the intrinsic semiconductor or doped semiconductor.