General Science • PhysicsMedium
What happens to the electrical resistance of a pure semiconductor when its temperature is increased?
A. It increases
B. It decreases✓ Correct Answer
C. It remains constant
D. It becomes zero
💡 Solution & Explanation
Pure semiconductors exhibit a negative temperature coefficient of resistance, meaning their electrical resistance decreases as temperature rises because thermal energy liberates additional charge carriers from covalent bonds. Conversely, metallic conductors show an increase in resistance with temperature due to heightened lattice vibrations scattering electrons. Unlike conductors, semiconductors conduct electricity better at higher thermal states up to a point.
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