The difference in variation of resistance with temperature in a metal ...
In metals, scattering increases with temperature and hence the flow of electrons is restricted. In semiconductors, the number of charge carriers increases with temperature which overcomes the effect of increasing scattering and hence the resistivity of semiconductors decreases with an increase in temperature but that of metals increases.
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Understanding Resistance Variation with Temperature
The variation of resistance with temperature in metals and semiconductors is fundamentally different due to the behavior of charge carriers. Here's a detailed explanation:
Metals: Fewer Charge Carriers
- In metals, resistance increases with temperature.
- This is primarily due to increased lattice vibrations as temperature rises, which leads to more scattering of conduction electrons.
- However, the number of free electrons (charge carriers) remains relatively constant, as metals have a fixed number of valence electrons that can conduct electricity.
Semiconductors: Increased Charge Carriers
- In semiconductors, resistance decreases with temperature at elevated levels.
- As temperature increases, more electrons gain enough energy to jump from the valence band to the conduction band, significantly increasing the number of charge carriers.
- This increase in charge carriers outweighs the effect of scattering due to lattice vibrations, resulting in lower resistance.
Key Differences
- Charge Carrier Behavior: Metals have a constant number of charge carriers, while semiconductors have an increasing number of charge carriers with temperature.
- Scattering Mechanisms: Metals primarily experience increased scattering, while semiconductors benefit from a rise in charge carriers that reduces resistance.
Conclusion
The primary reason for the difference in resistance variation with temperature between metals and semiconductors is the variation in the number of charge carriers with temperature. This key distinction is crucial in understanding the electrical properties of materials used in various electronic applications.