At temperature of absolute zero an intrinsic semiconductor is

Options

A. an insulator
B. a p-type semiconductor
C. a n-type semiconductor
D. a conductor

Answer

To solve the question "At a temperature of absolute zero, an intrinsic semiconductor is:", we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Intrinsic Semiconductors**:
- An intrinsic semiconductor is a pure semiconductor without any significant dopant atoms present. The conductivity of intrinsic semiconductors is due to the electrons in the valence band that can be excited to the conduction band.

**Hint**: Recall the definition of intrinsic semiconductors and their properties.

2. **Effect of Temperature on Conductivity**:
- The conductivity of a semiconductor is highly dependent on temperature. At higher temperatures, electrons gain enough thermal energy to jump from the valence band to the conduction band, allowing the material to conduct electricity.

**Hint**: Think about how temperature influences the energy levels of electrons in a semiconductor.

3. **Behavior at Absolute Zero (0 Kelvin)**:
- At absolute zero, which is 0 Kelvin, the thermal energy available to the electrons is zero. This means that there is no energy for electrons to overcome the band gap between the valence band and the conduction band.

**Hint**: Consider what happens to electron movement and energy levels at 0 Kelvin.

4. **Conclusion on Conductivity**:
- Since the electrons cannot gain enough energy to move to the conduction band, the intrinsic semiconductor will not conduct electricity. Therefore, it behaves like an insulator at absolute zero.

**Hint**: Relate the inability of electrons to move to the definition of an insulator.

5. **Final Answer**:
- Thus, at a temperature of absolute zero, an intrinsic semiconductor acts as an **insulator**.

### Summary:
At absolute zero, an intrinsic semiconductor behaves as an insulator because the electrons do not have enough thermal energy to cross the band gap and enter the conduction band.