University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 42 - Molecules and Condensed Matter - Problems - Discussion Questions - Page 1434: Q42.14

Answer

The structure of the energy bands shows how a semiconductor can behave like a metal with a change in temperature or pressure.

Work Step by Step

This is explained in Figure 42.19. In a semiconducting material, the energy gap is of moderate size, and the conduction band is mostly empty at low T. With a rise in temperature, electrons can gain enough energy to hop into and partially fill the conduction band, which gives them a metallic band structure. A change in pressure can also narrow the width of the band gap, accomplishing the same result.
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