Which type of solid can become a considerably better conductor of electricity via chemical substitution?

Verified step by step guidance

First, understand the types of solids: molecular, ionic, metallic, and covalent network solids. Each has distinct properties related to electrical conductivity.

Consider metallic solids, which are already good conductors due to the presence of free electrons. Chemical substitution in metallic solids can enhance conductivity by introducing more free electrons or improving electron mobility.

Next, examine covalent network solids, which typically have poor conductivity due to the lack of free electrons. However, chemical substitution can introduce charge carriers, improving conductivity.

Focus on semiconductors, a subset of covalent network solids. These can significantly improve conductivity through doping, a process of chemical substitution that adds impurities to create charge carriers.

Finally, recognize that ionic and molecular solids generally do not improve conductivity through chemical substitution as they lack the necessary structure to support free electron movement.

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Types of Solids

Solids can be classified into three main categories: metals, ionic solids, and covalent network solids. Metals are typically good conductors of electricity due to the presence of free-moving electrons. Ionic solids, while generally poor conductors in solid form, can conduct electricity when melted or dissolved in water. Covalent network solids, like diamond, are usually insulators due to their rigid structure.

Electrical Conductivity

Electrical conductivity refers to the ability of a material to conduct electric current. This property is influenced by the presence of charge carriers, such as electrons in metals or ions in ionic compounds. In some solids, chemical substitution can introduce new charge carriers or alter the existing ones, enhancing conductivity. For example, doping a semiconductor with specific impurities can significantly improve its electrical properties.

Chemical Substitution

Chemical substitution involves replacing one element in a compound with another element, which can modify the material's properties. In the context of solids, this process can enhance electrical conductivity by introducing new charge carriers or altering the lattice structure. For instance, substituting certain metal ions in a crystal lattice can create pathways for electron movement, thereby improving conductivity in materials like semiconductors.

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Textbook Question

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