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.

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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.

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Metalloid Properties

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Textbook Question

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

(a) PCl₃ or AlF₃