10/5 Manga pp.156-195

Please answer the following on the blog:
1. What is an example of a semiconductor device?
A transistor...it's used to amplify and switch electronic signals and electronic power.

2. Why is silicon used in the manufacture of semiconductors?
The economical reason is that silicon is much cheaper than anything else. It's easily accessible and has a wider temperature range, lower voltage operation and lower leakage. Germanium used to be the go to element but it's too sensitive to temperature, that's why silicon is much better.

3. Discuss the difference using an example of the difference between and N-type and P-type semiconductor.
N-type semiconductor materials have elements which have spare electrons in their outer shells. This gives N-type silicon's free electrons with the potential to create current. P-type semiconductor materials have elements that have too few electrons in their outer shells. Therefore the opposite of electrons are free to move about within the material with the potential to create current. Similar to the negative and positive poles of the magnet.

4. In your own words describe what a diode does and the role of N and P type semiconductors.
Typical N and P diodes can be used to monitor heat. The N and P type semiconductors use the differing behavior of charge carriers to move heat around
5. What is rectification?
Converting AC to DC by reversing the direction of the flow. This happens periodically.

6. What causes color in an LED? Give and example of what causes a particular color.
RGB leds have three separate leds that are all accentuating each other. This particular led can produce over 16 million colors through a spectrum.
7. What is the relationship between base current and collector current in a transistor?
In base current the current is proportional but flows in reverse. Current flows from the emitter to the collector. The Collect current is proportional and current flows into the base.
8. What are the advantages of a transistor over a switch?
Since the transistor does not break the circuit, you have no arc and therefore no damage to the device. Also, eliminating the arc eliminates noise. Mechanical switches also suffer from contact bounce. Thus, if your circuit requires a clean input signal, it won't get it because the contacts will bounce and cause a ringing signal. And, the transistor can be turned on and off rapidly, something you cannot do with a switch. Controlling the on/off duty cycle is the method used to dim lights. Such lighting effects are not possible with a simple mechanical switch.