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The defining properties that distinguish materials as conductors, insulators, and semiconductors primarily revolve around their ability to conduct electrical current. These properties are related to the structure and behavior of electrons within the materials. Here are the distinguishing characteristics:
1. Conductor:
– Electrical Conductivity: High. Conductors have many free electrons that can move easily within the material, allowing them to conduct electric current very efficiently.
– Energy Band Structure: The valence band and conduction band overlap in conductors, which means electrons can freely move into the conduction band where they can conduct electricity.
– Examples: Metals such as copper, silver, and gold.
– Temperature Dependence: Electrical conductivity decreases with an increase in temperature because lattice vibrations interfere with the free movement of electrons.
2. Insulator:
– Electrical Conductivity: Very low. Insulators have very few free electrons, so they do not conduct electric current efficiently.
– Energy Band Structure: There is a wide band gap between the valence band and the conduction band, making it difficult for electrons to move to the conduction band where they could conduct electricity.
– Examples: Rubber, glass, and most plastics.
– Temperature Dependence: The electrical conductivity of insulators can increase slightly with an increase in temperature as a small number of electrons may gain enough energy to jump to the conduction band.
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