Properties of Semiconductors: Practice Problem & Solution
Carbon, silicon and germanium atoms have four valence electrons each. Their valence and conduction bands are separated by energy band gaps represented by $(E_g)_C$, $(E_g)_{Si}$ and $(E_g)_{Ge}$ respectively. Which one of the following relationships is true in their case? (2005)
Short Solution (Best for NEET):
To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Properties of Semiconductors. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:
Carbon in the form of diamond is an insulator with a very large band gap of around 5.4 eV. Silicon and germanium are semiconductors with much smaller band gaps of 1.1 eV and 0.7 eV respectively. Therefore, $(E_g)_C > (E_g)_{Si}$.
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