12.94P - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

Classify each of the following as a conductor, insulator, or semiconductor: 

1. Phosphorus
2. Mercury
3. germanium.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The following elements are classified as follows:

1. Phosphorous- Insulator
2. Mercury- Conductor
3. Germanium- Semiconductor

Step 1: Classification of elements

Elements that conduct heat and electricity with conductivity in the range of 10⁴ to 10⁷ S/cm are known as conductors.

Elements with very low heating and electrical conductivity ranging from 10^-10 to 10^-20 S/cm are termed insulators.

Elements that lie in between the range of conductors and insulators are known as semiconductors.

Step 2: Classification of given elements

1. Phosphorous having an atomic number of 15 has a half-filled p-subshell, imparting the electrons higher stability thus less conducting.
2. Mercury is classified as the only metal which is liquid at room temperature. The high thermal expansion coefficient of mercury makes the element to be used in clinical thermometers.
3. Germanium is a semiconductor as it has four valence electrons thus the element will have both the properties of conductor and insulator.