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Semi-conductors
Semi-conductors
Semi-conductorS?
Semi-conductorS?
A semi-conductor is an element (or compound) that functions as both an electrical insulator and conductor. When certain impurities are added, or the substance is heated, electrons are allowed to move more freely, and carry an electric current. The electrons have a hard time moving to the higher energy level, and use that boost of energy to conduct electricity. This is important, because it makes electric currents possible to control and shape, allowing computers to function.
Boron
Boron
Symbol: B
Atomic number: 5
Atomic mass: 10.811 u
Electron configuration: [He] 2s22p1
Boron, a dark powder in its pure form, is used in pyrotechnics and flares for its unique green flames. It is also used in bleach and food preservatives. It is found in the cell walls of plants, and is most commonly refined from rasorite, a sodium borite compound.
Silicon
Silicon
Symbol: Si
Atomic number: 14
Atomic mass: 28.0855 u
Electron configuration: [Ne] 3s23p2
Silicon, a blue-green solid in its pure form, is one of the most useful substances known to man. Its use as a semi-conductor makes it vital to the function of modern electronics. It's also found in many building materials, as it is the primary ingredient in glass, sand, granite, and clay. It is the 2nd most prevalent element on earth, making up 28% of the crust. Pure silicon is made most commonly by melting glass.
Germanium
Germanium
Symbol: Ge
Atomic number: 32
Atomic mass: 72.64 u
Electron configuration: [Ar] 3d104s24p2
Germanium, a brittle semi-metal in its pure form, is used in camera lenses and in certain alloys. It was at one time used in electronics for its semi-conductivity, but has since been replaced. It occurs very rarely as an ore, and is usually smelted from zinc or coal as a byproduct.
arsenic
arsenic
Symbol: As
Atomic number: 33
Atomic mass: 74.9216 u
Electron configuration: [Ar] 3d104s24p3
Arsenic, a brittle, grey semi-metal in its pure form, is infamous for being a deadly poison. It can, however be used medicinally, handled properly. It is used as a doping agent in other semi-conductors, and can be used in pyrotechnics and bronzing. Arsenic is rarely found pure, it commonly occurs in minerals. it is refined as a byproduct of copper or lead.
Antimony
Antimony
Symbol: Sb
Atomic number: 51
Atomic mass: 121.76 u
Electron configuration: [Kr] 4d105s25p3
Antimony, a hard, brittle semi-metal in its pure form, is used as a semiconductor in electronics, specifically in diodes and infrared detectors. In compounds, it has many uses, from batteries, to flame retardation, to paints and enamels. It occurs naturally in many minerals, and is refined by reducing with carbon.
Tellurium, a grey powder in its natural form, is used most often as an alloy. It helps improve the strength of other metals. with precious metals, it can be used as a semi-conductor. It is found rarely in nature as a compound, and even more rarely in its elemental state. It can be purified as a byproduct of copper.
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