Insulator vs Semiconductor — Difference (with Table & FAQs)
Insulator vs Semiconductor compared side by side — a 5-row comparison table, 4 key points and 3 exam FAQs. Class 10 Physics, free and no sign-up.
TL;DR: Insulator vs Semiconductor compared side by side — a 5-row comparison table, 4 key points and 3 exam FAQs. Class 10 Physics, free and no sign-up.
Written & reviewed by the Syllab.in Academic Team (CBSE/NCERT subject experts) · Updated
The main difference between Insulator and Semiconductor: Insulators block electricity flow while semiconductors allow controlled electricity flow. Understanding this distinction is key for CBSE electronics.
Insulator vs Semiconductor — Comparison Table
| Basis | Insulator | Semiconductor |
|---|---|---|
| Conductivity | Very low or none | Moderate |
| Free electrons | Almost no free electrons | Few free electrons |
| Application | Protective coatings, cable insulation | Electronic devices, transistors |
| Doping effect | Doping has no effect | Doping increases conductivity |
| Temperature | Conductivity unaffected by heat | Conductivity increases with heat |
Key Points
- Insulators protect from electrical hazards
- Semiconductors are controllable conductors
- Band gap is large in insulators, small in semiconductors
- Semiconductors enable modern technology
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an insulator and a semiconductor?
An insulator does not allow electric current to pass through it under ordinary conditions. A semiconductor conducts poorly in its pure state but far better than an insulator, and its conductivity can be controlled deliberately.
Give examples of each.
Insulators: rubber, glass, dry wood, plastic and porcelain. Semiconductors: silicon and germanium, which are the basis of diodes, transistors and the chips inside every computer.
How is a semiconductor made to conduct better?
By doping — adding a small, controlled quantity of another element to the pure crystal. Raising the temperature also increases conductivity in a semiconductor, which is the opposite of what happens in a metal.