What is the Difference Between Semiconductor and Superconductor?

The main difference between semiconductors and superconductors lies in their electrical conductivity and the temperature at which they operate. Here are the key differences between the two:

• Semiconductors:
• Have an intermediate conducting capacity, between that of insulators and conductors.
• Their conductivity ranges between conductors and insulators.
• Energy consumption is moderate.
• They can only handle a fixed level of current.
• Semiconductors are formed by mixing or doping impurity atoms with pure semiconductor elements, such as silicon (Si) and germanium (Ge).
• Superconductors:
• Have conductivity greater than that of normal conductors, as they have zero resistance.
• Their conductivity ranges from near-zero to the highest observed values for metals.
• Negligible energy consumption.
• They can withstand very high values of current.
• Superconductors are materials that become perfect conductors when cooled down to a certain temperature, known as their critical temperature.

In summary, semiconductors have an intermediate conducting capacity, while superconductors have a much higher conductivity and can operate at very low temperatures. The energy consumption and current-handling capabilities also differentiate these two types of conducting materials.

Comparative Table: Semiconductor vs Superconductor

Here is a table highlighting the differences between semiconductors and superconductors:

In summary, semiconductors have an intermediate conducting capacity between that of insulators and conductors, while superconductors have zero resistance to the flow of electricity at low temperatures. Semiconductors can be doped, and their conductivity can be adjusted, whereas superconductors cannot be doped and have a fixed conductivity.