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What happens to the electrical conductivity of a semiconductor when it is exposed to light?
- a)The conductivity decreases.
- b)The conductivity remains unchanged.
- c)The conductivity increases.
- d)The conductivity becomes zero.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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Most Upvoted Answer
What happens to the electrical conductivity of a semiconductor when it...
- Context: The Union Cabinet, led by the PM, approved the establishment of three semiconductor units as part of the ‘Development of Semiconductors and Display Manufacturing Ecosystems in India’ initiative.
- When a semiconductor is exposed to light, it can absorb photons with energies greater than the bandgap energy. This absorption can excite electrons from the valence band to the conduction band, creating additional charge carriers and thereby increasing the conductivity of the semiconductor. Hence option C is the correct answer.
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What happens to the electrical conductivity of a semiconductor when it...
Effect of Light on Semiconductor Electrical Conductivity:
When a semiconductor is exposed to light, its electrical conductivity increases. This phenomenon is known as photoconductivity and is commonly observed in materials such as silicon and germanium.
Explanation:
- Generation of Electron-Hole Pairs: When light of sufficient energy falls on a semiconductor, it can excite electrons from the valence band to the conduction band, leaving behind positively charged holes in the valence band. This process generates electron-hole pairs, which contribute to the increase in electrical conductivity.
- Enhanced Carrier Mobility: The presence of additional free electrons and holes in the semiconductor due to the generation of electron-hole pairs increases the carrier concentration and mobility. This leads to a higher conductivity of the material.
- Decreased Band Gap: The absorption of light can also reduce the band gap of the semiconductor, allowing more electrons to move from the valence band to the conduction band, further enhancing conductivity.
- Photoconductive Mode: In certain applications, semiconductors are intentionally designed to exhibit photoconductivity. These photoconductive materials are used in devices such as photodiodes and solar cells, where light exposure is necessary to enhance conductivity and facilitate electron flow.
- Applications: Photoconductivity is utilized in various technological applications, including light sensors, solar panels, and photovoltaic devices, where the ability of semiconductors to conduct electricity under light exposure is crucial for their functioning.
In conclusion, the exposure of a semiconductor to light results in an increase in electrical conductivity due to the generation of electron-hole pairs and enhanced carrier mobility, making it a key factor in the operation of many semiconductor devices.
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What happens to the electrical conductivity of a semiconductor when it is exposed to light?a)The conductivity decreases.b)The conductivity remains unchanged.c)The conductivity increases.d)The conductivity becomes zero.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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