Conductor vs. Semiconductor: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 26, 2024
Conductors allow free flow of electricity due to free electrons, while semiconductors control electricity flow under certain conditions.
Key Differences
Conductors, like copper and silver, have a high number of free electrons that facilitate the easy flow of electricity. Semiconductors, such as silicon and germanium, have fewer free electrons, making their electrical conductivity lower than conductors but higher than insulators.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 26, 2024
The electrical conductivity of conductors is consistent and does not change significantly with temperature. In contrast, semiconductors exhibit increased conductivity with rising temperature or when impurities are added, demonstrating their versatile nature.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 26, 2024
Conductors are typically used in wiring and electrical components where a constant flow of electricity is required. Semiconductors, on the other hand, are the backbone of electronic devices like transistors and diodes, where controlled flow of electricity is essential.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 26, 2024
The conductive properties of conductors are inherent and do not require external influences to conduct electricity. Semiconductors, however, can change their conductivity with external factors like temperature, light, or impurity doping.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 26, 2024
In practical applications, conductors are used for their ability to carry electrical current with minimal resistance. Semiconductors are used for their ability to switch their conductivity states, making them crucial in digital electronics.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 26, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Primary Uses
Electrical wiring, components
Transistors, diodes, electronic devices
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Feb 26, 2024
Conductivity Nature
Inherent, constant
Variable, influenced by external factors
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Feb 26, 2024
Role in Electronics
Carry current with minimal resistance
Control and switch current flow
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Feb 26, 2024
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Conductor and Semiconductor Definitions
Conductor
Exhibits minimal resistance to electrical flow.
Gold, being a conductor, is used in high-quality electronics.
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Jan 16, 2024
Semiconductor
Conductivity changes with temperature or doping.
Semiconductors like germanium become more conductive when heated.
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Jan 16, 2024
Conductor
Used where constant electrical flow is needed.
Conductors are essential in making electrical circuits.
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Jan 16, 2024
Semiconductor
Essential for modern electronic devices.
Transistors, made from semiconductors, are key in digital circuits.
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Jan 16, 2024
Conductor
A substance with a large number of free electrons.
Silver is a good conductor due to its free electrons.
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Jan 16, 2024
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Semiconductor
A material with controlled electrical conductivity.
Silicon is a widely used semiconductor in computer chips.
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Jan 16, 2024
Conductor
A material that allows easy flow of electricity.
Copper wires are used as conductors in electrical cables.
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Jan 16, 2024
Semiconductor
Has fewer free electrons than conductors.
Semiconductors bridge the gap between conductors and insulators.
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Jan 16, 2024
Conductor
Does not change conductivity significantly with temperature.
In power lines, conductors maintain consistent conductivity.
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Semiconductor
Can switch between conductive and non-conductive states.
The ability of semiconductors to switch states enables computing technology.
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Jan 16, 2024
Semiconductor
Any of various solid crystalline substances, such as germanium or silicon, having electrical conductivity greater than insulators but less than good conductors, and used especially as a base material for microchips and other electronic devices.
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Jan 16, 2024
Semiconductor
An integrated circuit or other electronic component containing a semiconductor as a base material.
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Jan 16, 2024
Conductor
(Physics) A substance or medium that conducts heat, light, sound, or especially an electric charge.
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Jan 16, 2024
Semiconductor
(physics) A substance with electrical properties intermediate between a good conductor and a good insulator.
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Jan 16, 2024
Semiconductor
A substance as germanium or silicon whose electrical conductivity is intermediate between that of a metal and an insulator; its conductivity increases with temperature and in the presence of impurities
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Jan 16, 2024
Conductor
(music) A person who conducts an orchestra, choir or other music ensemble; a professional whose occupation is conducting.
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Conductor
(rail transport) A person who takes tickets on public transportation and also helps passengers.
Train conductor
Tram conductor
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Conductor
(physics) Something that can transmit electricity, heat, light, or sound.
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Conductor
(mathematics) An ideal of a ring that measures how far it is from being integrally closed
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Conductor
A grooved sound or staff used for directing instruments, such as lithontriptic forceps; a director.
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Conductor
One who, or that which, conducts; a leader; a commander; a guide; a manager; a director.
Zeal, the blind conductor of the will.
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Jan 16, 2024
Conductor
One in charge of a public conveyance, as of a railroad train or a street car.
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Jan 16, 2024
Conductor
A substance or body capable of being a medium for the transmission of certain forces, esp. heat or electricity; specifically, a lightning rod.
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Jan 16, 2024
Conductor
A grooved sound or staff used for directing instruments, as lithontriptic forceps, etc.; a director.
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Jan 16, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is a key feature of semiconductors?
Controlled electrical conductivity.
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Feb 26, 2024
Are conductors temperature sensitive?
They have low temperature sensitivity.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 26, 2024
Do semiconductors have high resistance?
Higher than conductors, but variable.
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Feb 26, 2024
What alters a semiconductor's properties?
Temperature, light, impurity doping.
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Feb 26, 2024
What makes semiconductors unique in electronics?
Their ability to switch conductivity states.
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Feb 26, 2024
Do conductors have a lot of free electrons?
Yes, contributing to their conductivity.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 26, 2024
What's the role of semiconductors in electronics?
Crucial in transistors, diodes, chips.
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Feb 26, 2024
Can conductors be doped like semiconductors?
No, doping is specific to semiconductors.
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Feb 26, 2024
Is silicon used in all semiconductors?
It's the most common, but not exclusive.
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Feb 26, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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