Which of the following represents correct order of conductivity in solids?
A
Kmetal>>Kinsulator<Ksemiconductors
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B
Kmetal<<Kinsulator<Ksemiconductors
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C
Kmetal<Ksemiconductors>Kinsulator≠Zero
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D
Kmetal≃Ksemiconductors>Kinsulator=Zero
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Solution
The correct option is AKmetal>>Kinsulator<Ksemiconductors Analyzing the conductivity of metal
Metals have free electrons in them, which helps largely with the conduction of electricity. So, they have the highest conductivity.
Metals are solids with conductivities between 104 and 107ohm−1m−1 which is quite high, so they are considered as a good conductor of electricity.
Analyzing the conductivity of insulators
Insulators do not have free electrons. So, electricity cannot pass through the insulators. So, their conductivity is at the lower side.
Insulators are solids with low conductivities ranging from 10−20 to 10−10ohm−1m−1 .
Analyzing the conductivity of semiconductors
Conductivity of semiconductors depends upon the temperature. At normal temperatures, they behave as insulators. But when temperature increases, the conductivity of semiconductors increases.
Semiconductors are solids with conductivities in the intermediate range, between 10−6 and 104ohm−1m−1.