9781422276006

Insulators Substances that do not allow electric- ity to pass through them are known as insulators. These substances can- not conduct electricity as the electrons are tightly packed and cannot move. Air, glass, plastic, paper, etc., are some examples of insulating substances. In- sulators are often used to cover wires and other conducting objects in order to protect from electric shocks.

Semiconductors Semiconductors are unique sub- stances that function as both conductors and insulators. They have a few proper- ties that resemble con- ductors and others that resemble insulators. Ad- ditionally, semiconductor materials can be modified to behave as conductors or as in- sulators. Semiconductors form an im-

portant part of modern electronics and are a basic part of several electronic devices. Mixed signal circuits, transistors, microprocessors, diodes, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and others, make use of semiconductors.

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ELECTRONICS