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Difficulty: EasyConductors, Insulators, and Semiconductors

In electronics manufacturing, materials are categorized by how easily they conduct electricity. Which of the following elements has four valence electrons in its outer shell and is widely used as a semiconductor?

  1. A
    Copper
  2. SiliconAnswer
  3. C
    Rubber
  4. D
    Silver

Answer

Silicon is the element with four valence electrons that functions as a semiconductor.
Silicon contains four valence electrons in its outer shell and exhibits electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator, making it the primary material for solid-state electronics like diodes and transistors.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the defining atomic property of semiconductor materials.
Semiconductors possess four valence electrons in their outermost atomic shell (Group IV elements).
This atomic structure gives them an intermediate level of conductivity between conductors and insulators.
2
Evaluate the listed materials by their valence electron structure and electrical classification.
Silicon has four valence electrons (semiconductor), copper and silver have one valence electron (conductors), and rubber is a compound insulator.
Matching the criteria of four valence electrons identifies silicon as the correct semiconductor material.

Key Concept

Classification of materials by atomic valence structure into conductors (1-3 valence electrons), semiconductors (4 valence electrons), and insulators (5-8 valence electrons).
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Conductors, Insulators, and Semiconductors

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