Question

Which of the following statements is incorrect about Silicon?

• A. Its atomic number is 14
• B. It has semiconducting nature
• C. It is a direct band gap semiconductor
• D. Silicon is the backbone of the semiconductor industry

Hint:

In indirect band gap materials such as silicon, the minimum of the conduction band does not directly correspond to the maximum of the valence band, so the radiative recombination is difficult, and requires phonons for the transfer of momentum. In direct band gap materials, the radiative recombination is very efficient as there is no need for momentum transfer.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Silicon is an indirect band gap semiconductor, meaning its conduction band minimum and valence band maximum are located at different momentum values. Further characteristics:
• Atomic number: 14.
• Its abundance and beneficial electronic properties contribute to silicon's dominance in the semiconductor industry.
• It is utilized in transistors, diodes, and integrated circuits.