12.96P - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

Predict the effect (if any) of an increase in temperature on the electrical conductivity of (a) antimony; (b) tellurium; (c) bismuth.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

1. Antimony is a semiconductor
2. Tellurium is a semiconductor
3. Bismuth is a semiconductor

Step 1: Classification of elements

Conductors are the elements that have a very high conductivity in the range of the order 10⁴ to 10⁶ S/cm. On the other hand, insulators have very low conductivity in the range 10^-4 to 10^-6 S/cm . Semiconductors have conductivity in the intermediate range.

Step 2: Classification of given elements

1. Antimony is a semiconductor that is used in making diodes and different detectors.
2. Tellurium has spiral chains in its crystal configuration. It is a poor conductor of heat and a fair conductor of electricity. Thus, it lies in the semiconductor range.

Bismuth is a lustrous metal with very low conductivity and is used in electrical