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Higher

Conductors, semiconductors and insulators

Solids can be categorised into conductors, semiconductors or insulators by their ability to conduct electricity. Electron band theory explains differences in conduction.

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Physics
Electricity
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Classifying materials

Materials can be placed into three groups according to their electrical resistance:

  • conductors - have a very low resistance
  • semiconductors - pure semiconductors have a very high resistance
  • insulators - have a very high resistance

This difference in conduction is explained by electron bands.

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More Guides

  1. Monitoring and measuring a.c.
    next
  2. Current, potential difference, power and resistance
    next
  3. Electrical sources and internal resistance
    next
  4. Capacitors
    next
  5. Conductors, semiconductors and insulators
  6. Semiconductors and p-n junctions
    next

2022 exam changes

All the advance information and revision support for this year’s examinations.

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