JEE MAIN - Chemistry (2024 - 6th April Morning Shift - No. 14)

Which of the following material is not a semiconductor.
Copper oxide
Graphite
Silicon
Germanium

Explanation

To determine which of the following materials is not a semiconductor, we must understand what a semiconductor is and then look at the properties of each material listed.

Semiconductors are materials that have a conductivity level between conductors (such as metals) and insulators (such as most ceramic materials). They can conduct electricity under certain conditions or when doped with impurities. The most common semiconductors are silicon and germanium, but some compound materials like gallium arsenide and silicone carbide also behave as semiconductors.

Now, analyzing each option given:

Option A: Copper oxide - Copper oxide can behave as a semiconductor, particularly in some specific structures or when used in thin-film solar cells. Thus, it can exhibit semiconductor properties.

Option B: Graphite - Graphite is a form of carbon where the carbon atoms are bonded together in a sheet-like form. It is known for its excellent electrical conductivity due to the delocalization of pi electrons across the carbon layers. Its behavior is more characteristic of a conductor rather than a semiconductor.

Option C: Silicon - Silicon is the most well-known and widely used semiconductor material in electronic devices, including transistors, diodes, and integrated circuits. Its semiconducting properties are due to its band structure, which can be altered by doping with other elements.

Option D: Germanium - Germanium is another classic semiconductor material used in the early development of electronic devices. Though not as commonly used as Silicon in modern electronics, due to its similar crystal structure and semiconducting properties, Germanium remains an important semiconductor material.

Based on the provided information, Option B: Graphite is not a semiconductor. Its properties align more with those of a conductor rather than a semiconductor, distinguishing it from the other options listed which all have semiconducting capabilities under certain conditions.

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