A intrinsic semiconductor at a absolute zero of temperature behaves as

Options

A. An insulator
B. A metallic conductor
C. A superconductor
D. A semiconductor

Explanation

To determine how an intrinsic semiconductor behaves at absolute zero temperature, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Concept of Intrinsic Semiconductors
An intrinsic semiconductor is a pure semiconductor without any significant dopant atoms present. At absolute zero (0 Kelvin), the thermal energy is minimal, meaning that the atoms in the semiconductor are in their lowest energy state.

**Hint:** Recall that intrinsic semiconductors are made of pure materials and have no impurities.

### Step 2: Analyze the Energy Bands
In semiconductors, there are two important energy bands: the valence band and the conduction band. At absolute zero, all the electrons occupy the valence band, and there are no electrons in the conduction band because there is not enough thermal energy to promote them.

**Hint:** Remember the arrangement of energy bands in conductors, semiconductors, and insulators.

### Step 3: Compare with Insulators
In insulators, the band gap (the energy difference between the valence band and the conduction band) is large, which prevents electrons from jumping to the conduction band even at room temperature. In intrinsic semiconductors at absolute zero, the situation is similar to that of insulators because there are no free charge carriers (electrons) available for conduction.

**Hint:** Think about how the energy gap influences the electrical conductivity of materials.

### Step 4: Conclude the Behavior at Absolute Zero
At absolute zero, an intrinsic semiconductor behaves like an insulator because there are no free electrons to conduct electricity. Therefore, it does not allow current to flow, similar to how an insulator behaves.

**Hint:** Consider how temperature affects the movement of electrons in different types of materials.

### Final Answer
An intrinsic semiconductor at absolute zero behaves like an insulator.