Is 'semiconductor' always just another name for 'transition metal'?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that 'semiconductor' is not synonymous with 'transition metal.' Transition metals, such as iron, copper, and titanium, are defined by their partially-filled f-orbitals, while semiconductors possess a specific band gap in their energy band structure. Elemental semiconductors include silicon and germanium, which are not transition metals, and compound semiconductors like gallium arsenide and cadmium sulfide are also highlighted. Additionally, diamond is identified as a semiconductor due to its wide bandgap, making it suitable for high power and high temperature applications.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of periodic table classifications, specifically transition metals
  • Knowledge of semiconductor physics, including band gap concepts
  • Familiarity with elemental and compound semiconductors
  • Basic concepts of electrical conductivity and its classifications
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and applications of silicon and germanium semiconductors
  • Explore the characteristics and uses of gallium arsenide and cadmium sulfide
  • Investigate the potential of diamond as a semiconductor in high power applications
  • Learn about the differences between metals, insulators, and semiconductors
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in materials science, electrical engineering, and semiconductor technology, as well as anyone interested in the distinctions between different types of metals and their electrical properties.

treehouse
Messages
105
Reaction score
0
Or is 'semiconductor' more specific, referring to only some transition metals?

After looking up the etymology*, I guess that a hypothetical material besides the transition elements which had properties which met the definition of 'semiconductor' would qualify; but that doesn't completely answer my question.

*http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=semiconductor
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Huh?? Where did you get this idea? The two terms are very different. Transition metals are the elements in the middle of the periodic table which have partially-filled f-orbitals. Examples are iron, copper, titanium, etc. I think all of these are metals. 'Semiconductor' refers to substances which have a band gap in their energy band structure, and so have electrical conductivities that are midway between metals and insulators. Elemental semiconductors include silicon and germanium (neither of which are transition metals), but there are compound semiconductors as well, such as gallium arsenide and cadmium sulfide.
 
Is carbon a semiconductor then?
 
skeptic2 said:
Is carbon a semiconductor then?

Yes, as diamond, it definitely is. Due to it's wide bandgap diamond may become a useful semiconductor for high power high temperature applications.
 

Similar threads

Is a Grounded ATV Generator Coil a Half-Wave System?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Programs Environmental Solutions and Semiconductors: Research Interests and Career Goals
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Transform the periodic table of chemical elements.
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Graduate Metal insulator transition and percolation
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Graduate Anderson localization and electron flow/diffusion?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Courses Berkeley Courses for an Engineering Physics Grad
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Mutiple Valences, Ionic compounds and Transition metals.
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Undergrad Question about geometrical engineering (placeholder name)
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
2K
Undergrad Revisiting the Light Clock
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
1K
Graduate Ensembles in quantum field theory
  • · Replies 91 ·
4
Replies
91
Views
8K