Intrinsic semiconductor at absolute zero temperature is a

Options

A. Good conductor
B. Good semiconductor
C. Perfect insulator
D. Perfect conductor

Answer

To solve the question regarding the behavior of an intrinsic semiconductor at absolute zero temperature, we will analyze the properties of semiconductors at this extreme condition step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Intrinsic Semiconductors**:
- An intrinsic semiconductor is a pure semiconductor material without any significant dopant atoms present. Common examples include silicon (Si) and germanium (Ge).

2. **Behavior at Absolute Zero Temperature**:
- Absolute zero is defined as 0 Kelvin (−273.15 °C), where all thermal motion of atoms theoretically ceases. At this temperature, the energy of the electrons in the semiconductor is at its minimum.

3. **Electron Availability**:
- In intrinsic semiconductors, the conduction of electricity relies on the availability of free charge carriers (electrons and holes). At absolute zero, there is insufficient thermal energy to excite electrons from the valence band to the conduction band.

4. **Conduction Band and Valence Band**:
- In semiconductors, the valence band is fully occupied by electrons, while the conduction band is typically empty at absolute zero. Since there are no free electrons in the conduction band, the material cannot conduct electricity.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Since there are no free charge carriers available to conduct electricity at absolute zero, an intrinsic semiconductor behaves as a perfect insulator under these conditions.

### Final Answer:
- Therefore, the correct answer is that an intrinsic semiconductor at absolute zero temperature is a **perfect insulator**.