Question

In an intrinsic semiconductor, conductivity is

• A. low at room temperature
• B. average
• C. high at room temperature
• D. zero at room temperature

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

In intrinsic semiconductors, $n=p$. Hence, at room temperature, no free electrons are available for conduction. If the temperature is increased, the covalent bonds will break and electrons will be freed, each electron will leave behind a hole and capture a new hole the process will continued and charge flows through intrinsic semiconductor. Thus, its conductivity increases with temperature. Hence, in intrinsic semiconductor conductivity is low at room temperature.