Question

Why does a pure semiconductor behave almost like an insulator at very low temperatures?

Options

• Very few electrons are available for conduction.

• Intentional impurity atoms prevent conduction.

• One type of charge carrier becomes the majority carrier.

• Its conductivity is higher than an extrinsic semiconductor.

Answer 1

At very low temperatures, few electrons have enough energy to become free charge carriers. Consequently, conduction is minimal and the pure semiconductor behaves almost like an insulator.