Chapter 18 Question 1
 
a. With the aids of a diagram, describe the bonds between the atoms in a pure semi-conductor. Explain why the electrical conductivity of a pure semi-conductor increases as temperature increases. 4 marks
 
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Each silicon atom has four outer shell electrons, and each electron participates with electrons from neighbouring atoms in forming bonds that hold the crystal together. As these electrons do not move about, pure silicon is not a good conductor of electricity at low temperature. 2
      At high temperature, however, the agitation of the atoms is higher due to increase in kinetic energy. Some energetic electrons are able to escape from the lattice against the electrostatic attraction. Conduction of electricity is then increased. 1
 
b. By introducing certain impurities into a pure semi-conductor, the electrical conductivity would also increase. Explain this by describing the electricity conduction in an n-type semi-conductor. 4 marks
 
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An n-type semi-conductor is the pure semi-conductor doped with impurities which have five outer-shell electrons, like phosphorus. 1
Only four out of five electrons of the impure atom fit into the crystal structure.The fifth electron does not fit in and is relatively free to diffuse throughout the crystal. 1
As a result, the impure semi-conductor has negative charge carriers. 1
 
c. A d.c. power pack converts the alternating mains electricity at 220V 50Hz into smooth steady form at 12V d.c. Using suitable diagrams, describe the uses of

i)    the transformer

    in the d.c. power pack. Exact numerical values for the components used are not required, but the principles in choosing suitable values for such components are expected.

7 marks 
 
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The transformer is used to step down the voltage to a low value.
The turn ratio should follow:
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ii)    the diode bridge consisting of four diodes

 
The diode bridge is used to rectify the a.c. so that current flows only in one direction rather than both.
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iii)    the storage capacitor

 
The storage capacitor has a large capacitance. It can be charged quickly. But, when discharges through the load, it performs slowly. Thus, there is a considerable high output voltage across it throughout. 1
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iv)    the filter circuit

 
The filter circuit is to eliminate the fluctuating components of the voltage output from the storage capacitor. The inductor has a high inductance which blocks the a.c. components and allowing the d.c. components to flow through the load. 1
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d. Describe how a highly stable d.c. voltage could be obtained by connecting a zener diode across the output of a d.c. power pack. 1 mark
 
An zener diode is operated in reverse bias. It has a constant p.d. across it for whatever applied voltage greater than its breakdown voltage.
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