Properties of Semiconductors: Practice Problem & Solution

Solution Explained:

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:

The statement "At absolute zero temperature, it behaves like a conductor" is wrong for a semiconductor.

Explanation:

• At absolute zero (0 K), intrinsic semiconductors (like silicon and germanium) do not have free charge carriers (electrons and holes) because all the electrons occupy the valence band, and there is no thermal energy available to promote them to the conduction band.
• Therefore, intrinsic semiconductors behave like insulators at absolute zero, not conductors.