Difference between a Conductor and a Semiconductor

Conductors and semiconductors are two types of materials that play crucial roles in the field of electronics. Here are the key differences between the two:

Conductors

Conductors are materials that have high conductivity, allowing electric current to flow through them easily. Metals like copper and aluminum are typical examples of conductors. In conductors, the valence electrons are free to move throughout the material, facilitating the flow of electricity. Conductors have a low resistance to electric current, making them ideal for transmitting electricity efficiently.

Semiconductors

Semiconductors, on the other hand, have conductivity values between those of conductors and insulators. Materials like silicon and germanium are commonly used as semiconductors in electronic devices. In semiconductors, the conductivity can be controlled and modified by adding impurities through a process called doping. This property is exploited in the manufacturing of diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits.

In summary, the key difference between conductors and semiconductors lies in their conductivity levels and ability to control the flow of electric current. Conductors have high conductivity, while semiconductors have intermediate conductivity that can be altered as needed for various electronic applications.