A semiconductor is a material that has electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator. It is typically made of silicon, germanium, or other elements and is used in electronic devices such as transistors, diodes, and integrated circuits.
The most commonly used semiconductor model is the band theory model, which describes the behavior of electrons in a solid material. It explains the formation of energy bands, which determine the electrical properties of the material.
The behavior of semiconductors is affected by factors such as temperature, doping, and the presence of impurities. These factors can alter the number of free electrons and holes in the material, thus changing its conductivity.
Semiconductors differ from conductors in that they have a lower conductivity and higher resistance, but they can still conduct electricity. They differ from insulators in that they have a higher conductivity and lower resistance, but they cannot conduct electricity as well as conductors.
Semiconductors are used in a wide range of electronic devices, including computers, smartphones, solar cells, LEDs, and transistors. They are also used in the production of integrated circuits, which are a crucial component of modern technology.