Silicon, Semiconductors, & Solar Cells: Crash Course Engineering #22

The video explores the role of semiconductors in modern technology, starting with John Bardeen's contributions to the development of transistors and superconductivity. It explains the properties of n-type and p-type semiconductors, their use in diodes to control current flow, and the function of transistors as electrical switches. The video also covers how semiconductors are used in solar cells to convert light into electricity, highlighting their importance in renewable energy.

Who is the only person to have won the Nobel Prize in Physics twice?

• Niels Bohr

• Marie Curie

• John Bardeen

• Albert Einstein

What is the primary element used in semiconductors that led to the naming of Silicon Valley?

• Germanium

• Silicon

• Phosphorus

• Boron

What type of semiconductor is created by adding phosphorus to silicon?

• q-type

• n-type

• p-type

• z-type

What is the main function of a diode in an electrical circuit?

• To store energy

• To allow current to flow in one direction

• To convert AC to DC

• To amplify current

How does a transistor control the flow of current in a circuit?

• By converting current to voltage

• By blocking all current flow

• By using a small current to control a larger one

• By using a large current to control a smaller one

What is the role of light in a solar cell made from semiconductors?

• To block the flow of current

• To cool the semiconductor

• To free electrons and create a current

• To heat the semiconductor

What is the primary benefit of using semiconductors in solar panels?

• They can generate electricity from sunlight

• They are more durable

• They require no maintenance

• They are cheaper than other materials