Effect of Temperature in Conductors, Insulators, and Semiconductors

Conductors, insulators, and semiconductors are materials that exhibit different electrical properties. The electrical conductivity of these materials is affected by temperature changes. Here are the details:

Conductors

Conductors are materials that allow electric charge to flow freely through them. They have a high electrical conductivity due to the presence of free electrons that can move easily. The electrical conductivity of conductors decreases as the temperature increases. This is because at higher temperatures, the atoms vibrate more and collide more frequently with the free electrons, causing them to lose energy and slow down. As a result, the current flow decreases.

Insulators

Insulators are materials that do not allow electric charge to flow through them easily. They have a low electrical conductivity due to the absence of free electrons. The electrical conductivity of insulators increases as the temperature increases. This is because at higher temperatures, more energy is available to break the bonds between atoms, which results in the creation of free electrons. As a result, the current flow increases.

Semiconductors

Semiconductors are materials that have electrical conductivity between that of conductors and insulators. They have a moderate electrical conductivity due to the presence of both free electrons and holes (missing electrons). The electrical conductivity of semiconductors increases as the temperature increases up to a certain point called the critical temperature. Above this temperature, the electrical conductivity decreases. This is because at higher temperatures, the number of free electrons and holes increases, but they also recombine more frequently, resulting in a decrease in the number of charge carriers and hence the current flow.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the effect of temperature on the electrical conductivity of conductors, insulators, and semiconductors is different. Conductors exhibit a decrease in electrical conductivity with increasing temperature, while insulators exhibit an increase in electrical conductivity with increasing temperature. Semiconductors exhibit an increase in electrical conductivity with increasing temperature up to a certain critical temperature, above which the electrical conductivity starts to decrease.