1.
Which crystal structure is commonly found in diamonds?
Correct Answer
A. Cubic
Explanation
Diamond has a cubic crystal structure, specifically a face-centered cubic (FCC) arrangement. In this structure, each carbon atom is bonded to four neighboring carbon atoms, forming a three-dimensional network of covalent bonds. This arrangement results in the exceptional hardness and brilliance of diamonds.
2.
What is the bandgap of an insulator?
Correct Answer
C. Completely filled
Explanation
Insulators have a completely filled valence band and a large energy gap (bandgap) that separates the valence band from the conduction band. This bandgap prevents the flow of electrons, making insulators poor conductors of electricity.
3.
In semiconductor physics, what does 'E' stand for in E-k diagram?
Correct Answer
A. Energy
Explanation
In semiconductor physics, the E-k diagram represents the energy (E) of electrons as a function of their wave vector (k). It is a graphical representation of the electronic band structure in semiconductors, showing how energy levels are distributed.
4.
What is the primary cause of electrical resistance in metals?
Correct Answer
D. Lattice vibrations
Explanation
Electrical resistance in metals is primarily caused by lattice vibrations, which impede the flow of electrons. As electrons move through the lattice, they collide with vibrating atoms, resulting in resistance and heat generation.
5.
Which phenomenon explains the flow of electric charge in semiconductors?
Correct Answer
D. Semiconductor conductivity
Explanation
The flow of electric charge in semiconductors is explained by their conductivity. Semiconductors can conduct electricity due to the movement of both electrons and holes (electron deficiencies) within the crystal lattice, which is essential for electronic devices.
6.
Which type of solid has atoms arranged in a random manner?
Correct Answer
A. AmorpHous
Explanation
Amorphous solids have a disordered atomic arrangement, lacking the long-range order found in crystalline solids. In amorphous materials, such as glass, atoms are arranged randomly, which is in contrast to the periodic and ordered arrangement in crystalline materials.
7.
What is the primary mechanism behind the piezoelectric effect?
Correct Answer
B. Crystal deformation
Explanation
The piezoelectric effect occurs when certain crystals (such as quartz) deform or change shape when an electric field is applied to them. This effect is due to the rearrangement of charges within the crystal lattice in response to external forces or electric fields.
8.
In a P-type semiconductor, what type of charge carriers predominate?
Correct Answer
B. Holes
Explanation
In a P-type semiconductor, holes (places where electrons are missing) predominate as the primary charge carriers. This is achieved by introducing acceptor impurities that create mobile holes in the crystal lattice.
9.
Which type of crystal defects are responsible for improved conductivity in semiconductors?
Correct Answer
A. Point defects
Explanation
Point defects in semiconductors, such as vacancies or impurity atoms, can introduce extra charge carriers, enhancing conductivity. These defects create localized states within the energy bandgap where electrons or holes can be trapped and contribute to electrical conduction.
10.
What's the primary effect when a magnetic field is applied to a paramagnetic material?
Correct Answer
C. Magnetic susceptibility
Explanation
When a magnetic field is applied to a paramagnetic material, it results in an increase in magnetic susceptibility. Paramagnetic materials have unpaired electrons that align with the external magnetic field, leading to enhanced magnetization.
11.
In solid-state physics, what is the forbidden energy gap?
Correct Answer
C. A range where no electron states can exist
Explanation
The forbidden energy gap, also known as the bandgap, represents a range of energy levels where no electron states can exist in a material. This gap separates the valence band (lower energy states) from the conduction band (higher energy states) in the electronic band structure of a solid.
12.
What phenomenon is responsible for the generation of x-rays when high-energy electrons strike a target?
Correct Answer
D. Bremsstrahlung
Explanation
The generation of x-rays when high-energy electrons strike a target is primarily due to Bremsstrahlung radiation. In this process, electrons decelerate or change direction when interacting with the target material, emitting high-energy X-ray photons in the process.
13.
In the context of semiconductors, what is the primary function of the 'valence band'?
Correct Answer
B. Hole conduction
Explanation
In semiconductors, the valence band is the energy band where electrons are bound to atoms. When discussing the function of the valence band, it is mainly associated with hole conduction, where electrons leave behind vacancies or "holes," and these holes can move and carry electric charge.
14.
What is the primary reason for the metallic luster and electrical conductivity of metals?
Correct Answer
C. Delocalized electrons
Explanation
The metallic luster and electrical conductivity of metals are primarily due to the presence of delocalized electrons. In metals, electrons are not bound to specific atoms but are free to move throughout the crystal lattice, enabling electrical conduction and giving metals their characteristic luster.
15.
Which solid-state phenomenon is responsible for the behavior of a thermistor?
Correct Answer
D. Negative temperature coefficient
Explanation
A thermistor is a temperature-sensitive resistor whose resistance decreases as temperature increases. This behavior is due to the negative temperature coefficient (NTC) phenomenon, where the electrical resistance of the material decreases with rising temperature, making it suitable for temperature sensing applications.