One of the following substances is neither a good conductor of electr...
Explanation:
Introduction:
In order to understand why Germanium (Ge) is neither a good conductor of electricity nor an insulator, we need to have a basic understanding of conductivity and the properties of different substances.
Conductivity:
Conductivity refers to the ability of a substance to conduct electricity. Substances can be classified into three categories based on their conductivity:
1. Conductors: These substances allow the flow of electric current easily. They have a high number of free electrons that can move freely within the material. Examples of conductors include metals like copper, aluminum, and silver.
2. Insulators: These substances do not allow the flow of electric current easily. They have a very low number of free electrons. Examples of insulators include rubber, plastic, and wood.
3. Semiconductors: These substances have properties that lie between conductors and insulators. They have a moderate number of free electrons, which can be influenced by external factors such as temperature or impurities. Examples of semiconductors include silicon (Si) and germanium (Ge).
Properties of Germanium:
Germanium is a chemical element with the symbol Ge and atomic number 32. It is a lustrous, hard, grayish-white metalloid in the carbon group, chemically similar to its group neighbors silicon and tin.
Germanium as a Semiconductor:
Germanium is classified as a semiconductor because it has properties that lie between conductors and insulators. It has a moderate number of free electrons that can move within the material, but it cannot conduct electricity as effectively as metals. Germanium's conductivity can be enhanced by adding impurities or by increasing the temperature.
Not a Good Conductor:
Germanium is not a good conductor of electricity compared to metals like copper or aluminum. This is because germanium has a lower number of free electrons available for conducting electricity. The movement of these free electrons is not as efficient in germanium as it is in metals.
Not an Insulator:
Germanium is also not an insulator like rubber or wood. It has a moderate number of free electrons that can conduct electricity to some extent. Insulators, on the other hand, have a very low number of free electrons that do not allow the flow of electric current.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Germanium is neither a good conductor nor an insulator. It is classified as a semiconductor due to its moderate conductivity properties. Germanium's conductivity can be enhanced by adding impurities or increasing the temperature.
One of the following substances is neither a good conductor of electr...
Potassium is one of the major electrolytes (together with sodium, chloride and magnesium) that conducts electricity in the human body. Gallium does not conduct electricity, Chromium is a (transition) metal and conducts electricity. Germanium is a metalloid. Therefore, it is neither a good conductor of electricity nor an insulator.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Class 9 study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Class 9.