Question 1

Many of the air conditioning ____ are operated by solid-state devices as well as magnetic and mechanical devices.&#10;A) condensers&#10;B) heat exchangers&#10;C) compressors&#10;D) controls

Accepted Answer

The controls of air conditioning systems can be operated by solid-state devices (such as microprocessors), magnetic devices (such as relays), and mechanical devices (such as switches). Condensers, heat exchangers, and compressors are components of the system that serve different functions.

Question 2

Conductors are generally made from materials that have small, light atoms.

Accepted Answer

Conductors are typically made from materials with large, heavy atoms that have loosely bound outer electrons, allowing for easy flow of electricity.

Question 3

Semiconductors are materials that are neither good conductors nor good insulators.

Accepted Answer

Semiconductors have properties that are intermediate between those of good conductors (such as metals) and good insulators (such as nonmetals). They have a conductivity that is sensitive to temperature, light, and impurities, making them useful in electronic devices such as transistors and solar cells.

Question 4

Solid-state devices, such as diodes and transistors, are often referred to as semiconductors.

Accepted Answer

This is true, as solid-state devices are typically made from semiconducting materials such as silicon or germanium.

Question 5

A pure semiconductor material such as ____ has no special properties and will do little more than make a poor conductive material.&#10;A) silicon&#10;B) silver&#10;C) aluminum&#10;D) copper

Accepted Answer

Pure silicon has no special properties and is not a good conductor of electricity. It requires doping with impurities such as boron or phosphorus to make it a useful semiconductor material in electronic devices. B, C, and D are all metallic elements that are good conductors of electricity and not commonly used as pure semiconductor materials.

Question 6

If a semiconductor material is to become useful for the production of solid-state components, it must be mixed with an impurity.

Accepted Answer

This process is called doping and it enables the creation of p-n junctions, which are essential for the operation of semiconductor devices such as diodes, transistors, and solar cells.

Question 7

The transistor is made by joining three layers of ____ material.&#10;A) semiconductor&#10;B) conductor&#10;C) insulator&#10;D) refractive

Accepted Answer

Transistors are made by joining three layers of semiconductor material, typically silicon. These layers are doped with impurities to create the necessary properties for the transistor to function as a switch or amplifier.

Question 8

Insulators are generally made from heavy-weight materials that have large atoms.

Accepted Answer

Insulators are generally made from lightweight materials that have small atoms, such as ceramics, glass, and rubber. These materials have tightly-bound electrons, which makes it difficult for electric current to flow through them.

Question 9

____ are materials that provide an easy path for electron flow.&#10;A) Semiconductors&#10;B) Insulators&#10;C) Conductors&#10;D) Transistors

Accepted Answer

Conductors are materials that have a high density of free electrons, allowing for easy flow of current. Examples of conductors include metals such as copper and silver. Semiconductors, on the other hand, have a moderate density of free electrons and are used in electronics such as transistors. Insulators have a low density of free electrons and do not allow for easy flow of current. Transistors are electronic components used to amplify or switch electronic signals.

Question 10

Because a(n) ____ has its outer orbit filled or almost filled with valence electrons, they are tightly held in orbit and not easily given up for current flow.&#10;A) semiconductor&#10;B) insulator&#10;C) conductor&#10;D) transistor

Accepted Answer

An insulator has its outer orbit filled or almost filled with valence electrons, making them tightly held in orbit and not easily given up for current flow. Conductors have outer orbits that are not filled, allowing electrons to flow freely, while semiconductors have their outer orbits partially filled and can be controlled to conduct or not conduct electricity. Transistors are electronic devices made from semiconductors that can amplify or switch electronic signals.

Deck 49: Semiconductor Materials