What is the Difference Between Conductor Semiconductor and Insulator?

The main difference between conductors, semiconductors, and insulators lies in their levels of conductivity, which refers to their ability to allow energy, such as electricity, heat, or sound, to flow through them. Here is a summary of their characteristics:

Conductors: These materials have high conductivity, meaning they allow electric current to flow through them easily. They have low resistance and are used in electrical applications where a continuous path for current is needed. Some common conductors include copper, gold, and aluminum.
Semiconductors: Semiconductors have moderate conductivity and are materials whose conductivity lies between conductors and insulators. They can act as both conductors and insulators, depending on the conditions. Semiconductors, such as silicon and germanium, are commonly used in the manufacturing of solid-state electronic devices. Their conductivity can be increased by adding impurities, a process known as doping.
Insulators: Insulators have low conductivity and do not allow the flow of current. They are used for protection against electric shocks due to their high electrical resistance. Some common insulators include rubber, glass, and air. Insulators have a wide range of applications, including wall insulation, protective coatings, and insulating materials for electrical wiring.

Conductors have very high conductivity (10-7 Ω/m), while semiconductors have intermediate conductivity (10-7 Ω/m to 10-13 Ω/m), and insulators have very low conductivity (10^8 Ω/m to 10^18 Ω/m). The conductivity of semiconductors decreases with an increase in temperature, while the resistance of insulators decreases with an increase in temperature.

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What is the Difference Between Conductor Semiconductor and Insulator?

Comparative Table: Conductor Semiconductor vs Insulator

Here is a table comparing the differences between conductors, semiconductors, and insulators:

Parameter	Conductor	Semiconductor	Insulator
Definition	A material that allows the flow of charge when applied with a voltage.	A material whose conductivity lies between conductor and insulator.	A material that does not conduct electricity.
Conductivity	High conductivity (10^-7 Ω/m to 10^-13 Ω/m).	Intermediate conductivity (10^-7 Ω/m to 10^-13 Ω/m).	Low conductivity (10^-13 Ω/m).
Temperature Coefficient of Resistance	The resistance of a conductor increases with an increase in temperature.	The resistance of a semiconductor decreases with increases in temperature.	The resistance of an insulator decreases with an increase in temperature.
Conductivity and Temperature	The conductivity of conductors remains constant with temperature.	The conductivity of semiconductors increases with temperature.	The conductivity of insulators remains constant with temperature.
Energy Gap	No energy gap.	Forbidden energy gap between valence and conduction bands is small (about 1 eV).	Forbidden energy gap between valence and conduction bands is large.
Material Examples	Copper, aluminum, gold, and silver.	Silicon, germanium, and gallium arsenide.	Mica and glass.
Uses	Conductors are used in electrical wiring and connections.	Semiconductors are used in the manufacturing of solid-state electronic devices.	Insulators are used for protection against electric shocks and to insulate electrical wiring.

Conductors allow the flow of electric current, semiconductors have intermediate conductivity and can act as both conductors and insulators depending on conditions, and insulators do not conduct electricity and are used for protection and insulation.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.