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chhitiz
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if we heat semiconductors, so that the energy provided is more than threshold energy will they generate a current?
chhitiz said:if we heat semiconductors, so that the energy provided is more than threshold energy will they generate a current?
so is it better to use conductors or semiconductors?Dadface said:Yes I think so if there is a closed circuit for the current to flow.Like conductors, semiconductor arrangements exhibit thermoelectric effects.
chhitiz said:if we heat semiconductors, so that the energy provided is more than threshold energy will they generate a current?
ZapperZ said:There's something confusing about this question, and the thread so far.
A "semiconductor" (at least an intrinsic one) is a material with a band gap typically small enough that the ambient temperature is sufficient to allow for the formation of charge careers (electrons in conduction band and holes in the valence band). This is what distinguish semiconductors from band insulators, whereby in the latter, the band gap is large enough that you don't get free charge carriers at room temperature and possibly over a large range of temperature.
Now, in addition to that, just because you have free charge carriers, it doesn't mean that you'll "generate a current", the same way a conductor doesn't spontaneously generate a current just because it has free charge carriers. You still need either an electric potential, or if you are applying the thermoelectric properties, a thermal gradient.
So that is why I am a bit puzzled by the question.
Zz.
vk6kro said:There are plenty of example of photovoltaic cells where light causes the generation of a voltage. Solar panels are a collection of such cells.
If you heat one side of a Peltier Cell, you get a voltage generated across the terminals of the device.
chhitiz said:i was wondering if the heat rejected by an ic engine can be used to charge the automobile battery. what would be the best thing to use?thermoelctric generators or panels of doped semiconductors?could i get any statistics(how much temp diff. produces how much current, etc.)?
thank you
When a semiconductor is heated, it causes the atoms within the material to vibrate and move around more rapidly. This movement frees up electrons, creating more charge carriers in the material. This increase in charge carriers allows for the flow of current through the material.
The relationship between temperature and current generation in semiconductors is directly proportional. As the temperature of the semiconductor increases, so does the amount of current that can be generated. This is due to the increased movement and availability of charge carriers at higher temperatures.
Yes, all semiconductors have the ability to generate current when heated. However, the amount of current that can be generated may vary depending on the type of semiconductor and its specific properties.
One potential drawback of heating semiconductors to generate current is the increase in power consumption. As more heat is applied, the energy requirements for maintaining the temperature also increase. Additionally, excessive heating can damage the semiconductor and decrease its overall efficiency.
Heating semiconductors to generate current is commonly used in thermoelectric devices, such as thermocouples, which can convert heat directly into electricity. It is also used in solar cells, where the sun's heat can be harnessed to generate electricity. Another application is in temperature sensors, where changes in temperature can be measured by the resulting change in current generated by a heated semiconductor.