What Is a Semiconductor?

Introduction to Semiconductors:

We know that metals are generally good conductors of electricity, and that nonmetals on the other hand, are poor conductors of electricity, or insulators. The groups of elements and compounds that display properties in between those of these two groups are categorised as semiconductors.

Properties of Semiconductors:

Semiconductors are substances that may or may not conduct electricity (the flow of electrons in other words) depending on a few factors, one of which is often temperature. The ability of these elements and compounds to manipulate the flow of electricity through them is what makes them so exceptional in being able to control an electric current. This makes them the very foundation of what we have based our modern electronics on.They are found in essentially all electronic parts such as microchips, transistors, and diodes.

In the periodic table, the elemental semiconductors are: Boron $(B)$, Silicon $(Si)$, Germanium $(Ge)$, Arsenic $(As)$, Antimony $(Sb)$, Tellurium $(Te)$, and Polonium$(Po)$. The predominantly utilized semiconductor in this list is by far silicon, although implementation of Germanium in recent years has expedited. No matter how you put it, semiconductors are some of the most important substances we have, as they are what have allowed us to harness electricity effectively and move into the information age.