1) Sketch the atomic structure of copper and discuss why it is a good conductor and how its

structure is different from that of germanium, silicon, and gallium arsenic.

Answer:
Copper is a good conductor because of the presence of one electron in the outer shell. It has
an atomic number of 29 and only one electron in its valence (outer shell); in other words, its
valence shell is incomplete. While on the other hand, germanium has an atomic number of
32 and silicon has an atomic number of 14, their outermost shells both have four electrons
and one`s outermost shells are complete as they create bonds through covalent bonds. And
gallium arsenide is a compound semi-conductor because it is a mixture of two elements. As
a result, copper has a different structure than germanium, silicon, and gallium arsenic.

2) In your own words, define an intrinsic material, a negative temperature coefficient, and
covalent bonding.

Answer:
Any semiconductor that is chemically pure, that is, free of all impurities, is considered
intrinsic.
The elevated amount of conductivity resulting from the use of heat is represented by the
negative temperature coefficient.
Covalent bonding is the sharing of two electrons among two atoms that belong to the same
element or elements close to each other on the periodic table. It is found primarily in non-
metals, but it can also be found in metals.

3) Consult your reference library and list three materials that have a negative temperature
coefficient and three that have a positive temperature coefficient.

Answer:
Materials that have a negative temperature coefficient: Silicon, Germanium and Carbon.
Materials that have a positive temperature coefficient: Aluminum, Copper and Gold.

Number 4-6 in the pdf activity.

7) Describe the difference between n -type and p -type semiconductor materials.

Answer:

The fundamental building blocks of semiconductor devices are n- and p-type materials. In an n-type
material, the electron is the majority carrier and the hole is the minority carrier. In a p-type material,
the hole is the majority carrier and the electron is the minority carrier.

8) Describe the difference between donor and acceptor impurities.

Answer:
The variation among the two types of impurities is that donor impurities increase conductivity by
donating charge. It is an n-type semiconductor with pentavalent impurities. Acceptor impurities
accept the charge to increase conductivity. It is a p-type semiconductor with trivalent impurities.

9) Describe the difference between majority and minority carriers.

Answer:

A p-n junction is formed when an abrupt change in impurity type from acceptors (p-type) to donors
(n-type) occurs within a single crystal structure. The holes are the dominant carriers on the p side
and are referred to as majority carriers. Minority carriers are thermally generated electrons that
exist on the p-side. On the negative side, electrons are the majority carriers, while holes are the
minority carriers.

10) is on the pdf activity