Self tests Flashcards
What determines whether a material is classified as a conductor, an insulator or a semi-conductor?
the number of valence electrons
What are two common types of semi-conductor elements?
germanium and silicon
The sharing of valance electrons by adjoining atoms in a crystal-lattice structure is called?
covalent bonding
By doping a pure semiconductor with:
a) trivalent impurities, a/an _______ -type semiconductor is formed?
b) pentavalent impurities, a/an ______ -type semiconductor is formed?
P-type
N-type
An N-type semiconductor has an excess of ____________ as charge carries for current flow, while a P-type has an excess of _______ as charge carries?
electrons
holes
Semiconductors have a _________ temperature coefficient of resistance?
negative
What type of mounting device is used for semiconductors to dissipate heat?
aluminum sinks (heat sinks)
Why is silicon more commonly used than germanium for semiconductor devices?
due to its high temperature coefficient
The anode of a diode is made of _______ -type semiconductor material, and the cathode is made of _______-type semiconductor material
P-type, N-type
The small charge at the junction of a PN diode is called a ___________
barrier potential
Reverse bias is when the anode is _______________ with respect to the cathode
negative
The forward voltage drop across a silicon diode measures about?
0.7v
In the symbol for a diode, the arrow represents __________?
Anode (P-type)
What feature makes the zener diode different from a conventional rectifier diode?
It has a breakdown voltage rating in reverse
what is meant by the term zener voltage?
in reverse bias it will maintain constant voltage
