Electrical
Properties Module
Outcomes
1. Be able to compare the behavior
of conductors, insulators and semiconductors.
2. Be able to compare the following
material properties: conductivity, dieelectric
constant, mobility, and resistivity. Further be able to explain the properties
and behavior of devices created from these materials.
3. Be able to explain how Band
Theory describes the behavior of insulators, metals and semiconductors.
4. Be able to explain how AC
frequency effects capacitance.
Preparation
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Section
4.4 of the text is an OK introduction for this module. However, as you read
Section 4.4 please ignore all references to superconductivity.
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The
YouTube video on Electrical
Conductivity is a good example showing how to calculate electrical
conductivity. As you review this video please pay as much attention to the
results as to the mathematical techniques. Please review the following video
regarding the difference between conductors, insulators, and semiconductors;
based on band theory.
This video clearly shows why the sea of electrons model is wrong. The following
video explaining extrinsic
semiconductors, shows how doping a semiconductor can increase its
conductivity. The following video describing capacitors is one of the
best basic explanations I have seen.