10

Electronics
Quarter I – Module 1:
Properties of Insulators, Conductors, and
Semiconductors
Electronics – Grade 10
Self-Learning Module
First Edition, 2020

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Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from their
respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership
over them.

Published by the Department of Education – Regional Office VIII

Regional Director: Ramir B. Uytico EdD, CESO IV
Assistant Regional Director: Arnulfo M. Balane, CESO V

Development Team of the Module

Writers: Danielle Lux D. Sandagan
Language Editors: Aaron G. Permito
Content Editors: Christie Ann D. Bihag
Illustrators: Gabriel A. Adona
Layout Artist: Name
Management Team:
Rosemarie M. Guino EdD, OIC – Chief, CLMD
Ryan R. Tiu EdD, EPS, CLMD – Science
Joy B. Bihag, EPS, CLMD – LRMS
Name, Chief, CID
Name, EPS, CID – Science
Name. EPS, CID - LRMS

Printed in the Philippines by ________________________

Department of Education – Regional Office VIII

Office Address: Government Center, Candahug, Palo, Leyte

Telefax: 053 - 3233156

E-mail Address: region8@deped.gov.ph
Introductory Message
This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, our dear learners,
can continue your studies and learn while at home. Activities, questions, directions,
exercises, and discussions are carefully stated for you to understand each lesson.

Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide you step-by-
step as you discover and understand the lesson prepared for you.

At the end of each module, you need to answer the test to self-check your
learning. Answer keys are provided for each activity and test. We trust that you will
be honest in using these.

In addition to the material in the main text, notes to the Teacher are also
provided to our facilitators and parents for strategies and reminders on how they can
best help you with your home-based learning.

Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks on any part
of this SLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises and tests. And
read the instructions carefully before performing each task.

If you have any questions about using this SLM or any difficulty in answering
the tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator.

Thank you.

ii
For the learner:
Welcome to the Electronics 10 Self–Learning Module 1 on Nature and
Properties of Insulators, Conductors, and Semiconductors!
The hand is one of the most symbolized parts of the human body. It is often used to
depict skill, action, and purpose. Through our hands, we may learn, create, and
accomplish. Hence, the hand in this learning resource signifies that you as a learner
are capable and empowered to successfully achieve the relevant competencies and
skills at your own pace and time. Your academic success lies in your own hands!
This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful opportunities for
guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You will be enabled to
process the contents of the learning resource while being an active learner.
This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

This will give you an idea of the skills or

Explore
competencies you are expected to learn in the
module. A brief drill or review to help you link
the current lesson with the previous one. The
new lesson will also be introduced to you in
various ways such as a story, a song, a poem, a
problem opener, an activity, or a situation.
This section provides a brief discussion of the
Learn
lesson. This aims to help you discover and
understand new concepts and skills.

What’s More This comprises activities for independent

practice to solidify your understanding and skills
of the topic. You may check the answers to the
exercises using the Answer Key at the end of the
module.
This includes questions or blank
Apply sentences/paragraphs to be filled into the
process of what you learned from the lesson.

Assess This is a task that aims to evaluate your level of

mastery in achieving the learning competency.

This contains answers to all activities in the

Answer Key module.

This contains the learner’s reflection. Learners

Reflect
are encouraged to think about the lessons,
particularly the parts that went well (they have
understood) and the weak parts (they have
difficulty), and write about them briefly. Learners
can share their thoughts and feelings about the
lessons.

iii
At the end of this module you will also find:

References This is a list of all sources used in developing

this module.
The following are some reminders for using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of the
module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
3. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.
4. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
5. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are
not alone.

We hope that you will experience meaningful learning and gain a deep
understanding of the relevant competencies through this material. You can do it!

iv
 Explore

How will you describe an atom? What is inside an atom? You learned that
atoms are small building units of matter that constitute an element. But do you know
how these tiny particles contribute to the study and development of electronics?
Studying the nature of charges in an atom will lead you to understand how
electronics outstand as one of the branches of science that leads to modern
technological progress. Let us all explore how the behavior of these charges
contributes to the modernization of the physical world!

This module will provide you with information and exciting activities that
will help you understand the properties of different kinds of materials through
studying the nature and behavior of charges.

After this module, you are expected to:

1. Describe the nature of charges in an atom;

2. Compare the properties of insulators, conductors, and semiconductors.

CONCEPT BOX

Electronics

Nature and Behavior

of Charges Properties of Different Kinds
of Materials
Protons
Conductor Insulator
Neutrons

Electrons Semiconductor
- Intrinsic
- Extrinsic

Q2_STE_Electronics_ Module 1 Page 1 of 23

 Atom’s Angels
by Danielle Lux Sandagan

An atom! Have you seen one?

Inside an atom, you will see,
not by the naked eye but by
microscopy
Its angels holding its stability
Protons, neutrons, electrons namely.

Inside an atom, you will see

The nucleus as its center with neutrons holding closely
Positively charged protons may repel! But neutrons will be there
Keeping protons intact so they can attract electrons better
Protons and electrons will bind through a strong force called
attraction and that is the magic behind opposite charges’
interaction. And you see, atoms can now attain stability.

As electrons move around the nucleus,

it dances, it interacts, but its placement?
No one knows.
When an atom of an element is bonded, they will form
into a new substance
and electrons are gratefully moved to be donated or be in acceptance.
Elements can now be stable through this chance.
And see, elements can be as noble as they should be.

The generous atom can give electrons even if it has a few

To be noble and new
Sharing electrons has never been bad
They even become brighter, shinier cationic metallic clad
Gaining and accepting electrons is a
must,
for them to be noble but just.
And now you see, elements are humane just like you and me.

After reading the poem, are you ready to learn more about how Atom’s Angels
take part in the properties of insulators, conductors, and semiconductors? I am sure
you do!

Q2_STE_Electronics_ Module 1 Page 2 of 23

FILL ME IN!
Directions: Fill in the correct letters to complete the term that is being described in
the statements below. Use a separate sheet of paper for your answer.

1. A particle inside the atom that carries E E C R O

a (-) charge.
2. It is considered as tiny building blocks A O
of matter.
3. A substance that is made up only of an atom.
E L M N

4. An atom chemically bonds with other

other atoms by sharing their __________ _________.
V A E C E L E T O S

5. A strong force exists between two opposite charges.

A R A T O N

6. A strong force exists between like charges.

R P L S N
A T O S
7. Positive charged ions are called ___________.
8. Negative charged ions are called __________. A I O S
9. Elements with a negative charge ion is called as
____________. N O - M T A

10. Elements with a positive charged ion is called as ___________.

M T A

How many words did you remember? You may refer to the back of these pages for you
to familiarize the terms and their definition.

Q2_STE_Electronics_ Module 1 Page 3 of 23

 Learn

Properties of Insulators, Conductors and

Semiconductors

In your previous science lessons, you have learned about how indestructible atoms
make up a chemical element. An element when bonded with another or the same element
forms a molecule of a chemical compound. And these chemical compounds when bonded
with other compounds form a particular substance. A substance that makes up the
physical world. And so, everything that matters, is Matter!

All kinds of matter are made up of atoms therefore it is composed of protons,

electrons, and neutrons as well. When elements bond they either share or accept
electrons which creates specific characteristics that make different kinds of matter
distinct in nature.

The Key Players

In the poem Atom’s Angel, who do you

think are the key players? An atom has a
nucleus located at its center with a neutral
charge called neutron and carries a positive (+)
charge known as a proton which is then
surrounded by a cloud of negatively (-) charged
particles called electrons. Are you ready to take
the challenge to explore the nature of these
charges?

An electron has a mass of 9.109 x 1031 kg and

carries an electric charge of – 1.602 x 109
coulomb. Protons are larger than electrons in
terms of mass but are slightly smaller than
neutrons. Inside an atom, the number of
protons is equal to the number of neutrons.
(College 2013)
Isotopes are elements with the same mass
number but with different atomic numbers.

Neutrons hold the nucleus preventing

repulsion among positively charged protons. Repelling or repulsion is the force that
exists between the same charges as protons with other protons moving away from each
other.

Your superhero neutron would not allow that! Therefore, without neutrons, the
nucleus of an atom will become unstable.

Q2_STE_Electronics_ Module 1 Page 4 of 23

 Another interesting fact about the structure of the atom is how its key players’
protons and electrons interact and shape the property of a material. Imagine these
dancing electrons forming a circle or a shell around the nucleus with a certain energy
inside. A force of attraction is being created by the interaction between positive and
negatively charged particles like how the north and the south pole of a magnet stick
together.

Attraction is the force that drives opposite charges to stick together. Like how
the north and the south pole of your magnet meet. The attraction between protons and
electrons provides stability to the atom. The electrons attract positively charged
protons and repel other negatively charged electrons. Protons are static while electrons
like to roam around leaving scientists uncertain about their specific placement inside
the atom.

This exciting nature of electrons answers why elements are distinct in nature.
Each element has a different number of valence electrons that will help us determine
the reactivity of an atom. What makes elements reactive to one another? Electrons are
like little movers of the atom, they may be lost and be added, and they bond with other
electrons of either the same or different atom. The goal of each atom of an element is
to become stable like the noble gases found in your periodic table which has the
maximum number of valence electrons, so they tend to be non-reactive. However, some
atoms do not have the maximum number of electrons in their valence shell. To become
stable, they need to bond to fill in the missing gaps in their existence.

The concept of static charges repelling and attracting will lead us to

understand the foundation of electronics. Exploring the nature of conductors,
insulators and semiconductors will open us into a new world of fun and discovery!

Look at the boy in the picture. What made his hair

rise? The boy was touching a Vann De Graff generator
that made his hair stand. How did it happen? A Vann De
Graff generator is used to generate a high potential
difference for about 5 megavolts. This device is also used
in science exhibits for education purposes.

The Vann De Graff generator collects electrons and

stores them in a large metal tube. The electrons inside
repel each other wanting to escape and so when an object
interacts with the device, it generates electrostatic force
(Dtjrh2 2013)
causing the hair of the boy to stand.

Q2_STE_Electronics_ Module 1 Page 5 of 23

FACT OR BLUFF?
Directions: Write the word TRUE if the statement is correct, and FALSE if it is not. If
FALSE, change the underlined term to make it correct. Write your answer on a separate
sheet of paper.

1. Electrons are particles that move around the nucleus of an atom.

2. An atom is a small particle that is indestructible and indivisible.
3. An ion is formed when a neutral atom loses or gains one or more electrons.
4. A cation permits the flow of electricity through conduction electrons.
5. A water (H2O) molecule has two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
6. All chemical elements are reactive.
7. Like charges repel, opposite charges attract.
8. Isotopes are elements with the same atomic number but with different atomic
masses.
9. Electrons can interact with a proton of another atom.
10. Atoms are considered as cationic if it loses its electrons.

How did you find the activity? You may check your answer at the back of the module
as your reference. The numbers which have false statements are common
misconceptions of the topic discussed.

After studying how materials are charged, let us focus on a broader sense by
applying your learnings about the nature of charges.

Q2_STE_Electronics_ Module 1 Page 6 of 23

 Engage

Figure 1: Groupings of Elements in the Periodic Table

(Rovinetti, Wikimedia Commons 2014)

An atom like sodium (Na) which has only one valence electron needs to donate
or lose an electron to acquire a positive charge. Why? Because when an atom loses its
negatively charged electrons, what dominates in the atom are the positive charges, so
they tend to obtain a positive charge. Positively charged ions are called cations. Most
metals become cationic when they make ionic compounds. When electrons lose, they
can flow and conduct electricity. This fact accounts for the property of metal to be
conductive in nature.

In contrast, atoms having nearly eight electrons in their valence shell can accept
or gain electrons until they become stable. When an atom gains an electron, they
acquire negative charges having more electrons than protons in the atom. So, they
tend to acquire a negative charge. Negatively charged ions are called anions and
elements with these charges are non-metals.

These properties of metals and non-metals can be combined into another type
of material called semi-metals or metalloids. Boron (B), Silicon (Si), Arsenic (As),
Antimony (Sb), Germanium (Ge), Selenium (Se), and Tellurium (Te). Metalloids are
more sensitive to temperature than conductors and insulators.

Q2_STE_Electronics_ Module 1 Page 7 of 23

 Figure 2: Elements and Their Uses

(Achituv 2020)

The figure above shows different pictures of elements with different properties.
Materials are classified as conductors, insulators, and semiconductors. These
materials have distinct properties that perform a specific function on an electronic
device. A conductor is a material that permits the flow of electrons and is considered
an electric current carrier. Metals are conductors since they permit the flow of
electrons like marbles in a row thrown forward in a tube. There is no space or gap
between the conduction band and valence band therefore conductors do not need extra
energy for the conduction state. Good conductors are copper, iron, silver, and
aluminum which are widely used in making electronic devices. Take note that metals
are not the only ones that can be considered a conductor.

If conductors permit free-flowing of electrons, there are also some materials

that do not allow electrons to flow and therefore be less conductive and have very
high resistance. Because the band gap of this kind of material is quite high that it
needs an enormous amount of energy to be in conduction. These materials are called
insulators. Rubber, glass, wood, air, plastic, and paper are examples of insulating
materials. Insulators are used for protection against high voltages and possible
electrocution when handling conductors.
A semiconductor is an intermediate between a conductor and an insulator.
It both possesses the property of a conductor and an insulator. What is interesting
about semiconductors is that it also possesses conduction through electron holes
and added impurities. A semiconductor is also dependent on temperature. When

Q2_STE_Electronics_ Module 1 Page 8 of 23

temperature increases, conductivity also increases. The band gap of this kind of
material is greater than a conductor but smaller than an insulator.
Examples of semiconductors are silicon, germanium, selenium, antimony,
gallium arsenide, and boron. These materials are widely used in electronic devices
like transistors and integrated circuits.

Apply

A. WHICH IS WHICH?
Directions: Below are examples of conductors and insulators. Check if the
material is a conductor, insulator, or semiconductor. Copy the table on your
paper.

Material Conductor Insulator Semiconductor

1. Rubber gloves
2. Gold
3. Dry air
4. Iron nail
5. Germanium
6. Porcelain
7. Sulphur
8. Sealing wax
9. Saltwater
10. Bronze
11. Silicon
12. Microchip
13. Oxygen
14. Paper
15. Steel

Q2_STE_Electronics_ Module 1 Page 9 of 23

B. WHY OH WHY?
The weather news reporter warned the public of possible lightning and
thunderstorm this week in your locality and your family is planning to celebrate your
birthday in a nearby beach resort.
Answer the following questions briefly and concisely. Write your answer on your
answer sheet.
1. What force of interaction exists between
charges formed at the top and bottom
part of the clouds? Would lightning
reach the ground? How? Explain.
2. How would you respond to this kind of
situation with your knowledge about
electric charges?
3. What safety measures would you
suggest when the weather is not good
due to lightning and thunderstorm? (Pixabay 2017)

Rubric for Open-ended Questions

Criteria
Level of Performance (Score)
4 The response includes the facts
Excellent response and establishes a connection with
the scenario/topic.
3
Response only mentions the fact
Adequate response
but does not relate the concept.
2
The response is scientifically
Incorrect response
incorrect.
1
Questions or parts of the question
Too brief to evaluate
have been restated.
0
No answer or answer was erased.
No Basis

Q2_STE_Electronics_ Module 1 Page 10 of 23

 C. GETTING TO KNOW MORE
Directions: Fill in the missing information on the properties and
characteristics of conductors, insulators, and semiconductors. Choose the
correct answer found in the box below.

Property Conductor Insulator Semiconductor

Luster

Hardness

Ductility &
Malleability

Conductivity

State at room
temperature

Shiny can be hammered into thin sheets

Brittle if it is solid can be malleable or brittle

good conductor of heat and electricity

non-conductor of heat and electricity

partially heat electrically conductive dull

solid at room temperature

can be solid, liquid, or gas at room temperature

Now that you have acquired a deeper understanding of the difference between
conductors and insulators, you might be asking about the properties of
semiconductors. How are semiconductors used in gearing up electronic devices?
Semiconductors are of two types: namely intrinsic and extrinsic
semiconductors. An intrinsic (pure) semiconductor is quite likely an insulator,
therefore, having less conductivity. To increase its conductivity, impurities must be
diffused in its structure. This process is called doping. The impurity may be
pentavalent or trivalent. Pentavalent atoms like antimony, arsenic, and phosphorous
have five valence electrons.

Q2_STE_Electronics_ Module 1 Page 11 of 23

 The last electron creates a negative charge and donates its fifth valence
electron. Pentavalent atoms are also termed, donors. Trivalent atoms, on the other
hand, have three valence electrons.
These atoms are gallium, indium, and boron. The atoms form holes (empty
electron holes to be filled in) because they lack the fourth valence electron needed to
form perfect covalent bonds. Trivalent atoms are also called acceptors because they
need and can accept a free electron. When these semiconductors are doped, they
are now called extrinsic semiconductors.
Semiconductors doping with donor atoms are called n-type while acceptor
atoms are called p-type. An n-type material has few holes and more electrons while
p-type material has more holes
than electrons. What does it
mean to have these electrons
and holes? The electron and
holes are charge carriers that
create an electric field and
potential barrier resulting in
immobilization.
When you combine a p-
type and an n-type material,
you can make a pn junction
also called as diode.
(S-kei 2011)

Semiconductor diodes are widely used in information and telecommunication.

Who would have thought that these electric charges could have a greater impact in
forming semiconductor diodes widely used in Electronics?
To sum up, the properties of conductors, insulators, and semiconductors are
classified according to temperature dependence, conductivity, resistivity, and band
gap. Each material possesses a definite characteristic that has high importance in
the creation of electronic devices.

What I Have Learned

Directions: Read the items carefully. Copy and answer the given set of questions.
Be guided on the rubric found on page 10 of your module.
1. What are the two types of semiconductors? Differentiate.
2. What is the difference between an n-type and a p-type semiconductor?
3. What is a diode?

Q2_STE_Electronics_ Module 1 Page 12 of 23

 Assess

Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a
separate sheet of paper.

1. Which of the following sub-atomic particles is negatively charged?

A. atom
B. electrons
C. neutrons
D. protons
2. Atoms gain or lose electrons. What is being formed when an atom loses
its negative charge?
A. An isotope
B. A neutral atom
C. A cation is formed
D. An anion is formed
3. What is being formed when a neutral atom gains or loses an electron
from another atom?
A. an isotope
B. an element
C. a compound
D. an ionic compound
4. What do you call a material that permits the flow of electricity when its
electrons lose?
A. metal
B. metalloid
C. non-metal
D. semimetal
5. What force is exhibited when an electron and a proton interact?
A. Attraction
B. Intermolecular
C. Repulsion
D. Strong force
6. What property clearly distinguishes the difference between conductors,
insulators, and semiconductors?
A. ductility
B. electrical conductivity
C. energy band
D. luster
7. Which of the following DOES NOT describe a metal?
A. Metals are highly reactive.
B. Metals has a high ionization energy.
C. Metals are good conductors of electricity.
D. Metals are malleable, lustrous, and ductile.

Q2_STE_Electronics_ Module 1 Page 13 of 23

 8. Which of the following describe/s the importance of using insulators in electric
circuits?
I. To prevent short circuit
II. To lessen the resistivity of a conductor
III. To protect us from possible electric shock
IV. To increase the flow of conduction electrons in the circuit

A. I, II, and IV B. I and III C. I, II, and III D. III and IV

9. How does the conductivity in pure or intrinsic semiconductors vary with

temperature?
A. Conductivity increases when temperature increases.
B. Conductivity increases when temperature decreases.
C. Temperature has no effect on its conductivity.
D. All of the choices
10. What makes semiconductors significant in modern electronics?
A. Semiconductors possess flexibility in conduction depending on
temperature and added impurities.
B. Semiconductors are more abundant than metals and non-metals.
C. It is much safer and more reliable.
D. All of the choices

Q2_STE_Electronics_ Module 1 Page 14 of 23

 Reflect

Now that you have learned the properties of conductors, insulators,

and semiconductors through studying the nature and behavior of charges.
Write all your insights through a reflection. Feel free to answer in your own
dialect.

I have learned that __________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________.

I enjoy answering ____________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________.

I was having a hard time understanding the topic on ___________________

_______________________________________________________________.

I would like to learn more about _______________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

I hope you enjoy learning through this module.

Q2_STE_Electronics_ Module 1 Page 15 of 23

Page 16 of 23 Q2_STE_Electronics_ Module 1
Assessment
1. B 2. C 3. D 4. A 5. A 6. C 7. B 8. C 9. A 10. D
Which is which?
Conductors Insulators Semiconductors
gold rubber gloves silicon
iron nail dry air microchip
saltwater porcelain germanium
bronze Sulphur
steel sealing wax
oxygen
paper
Fill Me In! Fill Me In!
1. Electron 1. Electron
2. Atom 2. Atom
3. Element 3. Element
4. Valence electrons 4. Valence electrons
5. Attraction 5. Attraction
6. Repulsion 6. Repulsion
7. Cations 7. Cations
8. Anions 8. Anions
9. Non-metals 9. Non-metals
10. Metals 10. Metals
Answer Key
References

Achituv. 2020. Wikimedia Commons. October 21. Accessed June 01, 2022.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:PeriodicTable-RealElements.jpg.

Bureau of Secondary Education, Department of Education. 2006. APEX Physics.

Quezon City: Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO
INNOTECH).

College, OpenStax. 2013. Wikimedia Commons. May 29. Accessed June 02, 2022.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:202_Two_Models_of_Atomic_Stru
cture.jpg.

Dtjrh2. 2013. Wikimedia Commons. May 30. Accessed June 06, 2022.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Electro-Static_Generator.jpg.

Rovinetti, Riccardo. 2014. Wikimedia Commons. January 31. Accessed 2022.

—. 2014. Wikimedia Commons. January 31. Accessed June 06, 2022.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Metalli,_semimetalli,_nonmetalli.
png.

S-kei. 2011. Wikimedia Commons. April 22. Accessed June 14, 2022.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:PnJunction-LED-E.svg.
2017. Pixabay. August 20. Accessed June 14, 2022.
https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2017/08/20/10/11/storm-
2661132_1280.jpg.

Q2_STE_Electronics_ Module 1 Page 17 of 23

For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Regional Office VIII – Curriculum and Learning

Management Division (CLMD) - Learning Resources Management Section (LRMS)

Government Center, Candahug, Palo, Leyte, 6501

Telefax: (053) 323-3156; 323-3854; 824-4627

Email Address: *region8@deped.gov.ph

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