Ch.22 - The Main Group Elements

McMurry8th EditionChemistryISBN: 9781292336145Not the one you use?Change textbook

McMurry 8th Edition

Ch.22 - The Main Group Elements

Problem 22.45c

Chapter 22, Problem 22.45c

Consider the elements N, Si, Al, S, and F. Identify which of these elements:
c. Is a semiconductor

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand what a semiconductor is. A semiconductor is a substance, usually a solid chemical element or compound, that can conduct electricity under some conditions but not others, making it a good medium for the control of electrical current. Semiconductors are neither good conductors nor good insulators, they are in between.

Step 2: Identify the properties of the given elements. Nitrogen (N), Sulfur (S), and Fluorine (F) are nonmetals. Aluminum (Al) is a metal. Silicon (Si) is a metalloid.

Step 3: Recall that semiconductors are typically metalloids. Metalloids have properties of both metals and nonmetals, and include elements such as Silicon (Si), Germanium (Ge), and Arsenic (As).

Step 4: From the given elements, only Silicon (Si) is a metalloid.

Step 5: Therefore, Silicon (Si) is the semiconductor among the given elements.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

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

Semiconductors

Semiconductors are materials that have electrical conductivity between that of conductors and insulators. They can conduct electricity under certain conditions, typically when energy is added, such as through heat or light. Common examples include silicon (Si) and germanium, which are widely used in electronic devices.

Periodic Table and Element Properties

The periodic table organizes elements based on their atomic number and properties. Elements in the same group often exhibit similar characteristics. Understanding the position of an element in the periodic table helps predict its behavior, including whether it acts as a conductor, insulator, or semiconductor.

Doping in Semiconductors

Doping is the process of adding impurities to a semiconductor to change its electrical properties. By introducing elements with different valence electrons, such as phosphorus or boron into silicon, the conductivity can be enhanced, allowing for better performance in electronic applications. This is crucial for the functionality of devices like transistors and diodes.

Recommended video:

Guided course

03:37

Metalloid Properties

Related Practice

Textbook Question

Look at the location of elements A, B, C, and D in the following periodic table:

(b) Classify each oxide as basic, acidic, or amphoteric.

Textbook Question

Identify the group 3A element that best fits each of the following descriptions.

Textbook Question

Consider the elements C, Se, B, Sn, and Cl. Identify which of these elements:

c. Is the best electrical conductor

Textbook Question

Which compound in each of the following pairs is more ionic?

(d) BCl₃ or AlCl₃

Textbook Question

Give one example from main-group chemistry that illustrates each of the following descriptions.

d. Polar molecule that violates the octet rule

Textbook Question

Complete and balance the equation for each of the following reactions.

d. $C_2H_6\left(g\right)+H_2O\left(g\right)\overset{heat}{\underset{catalyst}\rightarrow}$

Consider the elements N, Si, Al, S, and F. Identify which of these elements:c. Is a semiconductor

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

Key Concepts

Semiconductors

Periodic Table and Element Properties

Doping in Semiconductors

Consider the elements N, Si, Al, S, and F. Identify which of these elements:
c. Is a semiconductor