Semi-conductors

__Definition__- made of semiconducting material such as silicon and germanium. Creates electrical current. Silicon or Germanium is heated and turned into a glass like material called lattice. Each piece of lattice is either missing a valance electron, or gains one. So, they end up being positive or negative. Then positive and negative pieces and then layered and stuck to a piece of metal. The positive and negative charges creates current through the metal.

__Simple terms__-Glass that conducts electricity.


 * Characteristics:**
 * 1) light metal
 * 2) sensitive system
 * 3) conductivity increases when temperature increases


 * Where it's Used:**
 * Found in cellphones
 * Diode is a type of semiconductor
 * memory chips(in cameras)

Websites: http://www.howstuffworks.com/diode.htm http://www.answers.com/topic/semicondutor

Diode Cell Phone

Camera chip

__**Questions!**__
 * 1) What is a semiconductor?
 * 2) Name one characteristic of a semiconductor?
 * 3) Name one place a semiconductor can be found?
 * 4) What is lattice?
 * 5) How are semiconductors held together?