What factor typically affects the conductivity of a semiconductor?

Temperature is a significant factor affecting the conductivity of a semiconductor. In semiconductors, as the temperature increases, the thermal energy supplied to the material allows more electrons to gain enough energy to jump from the valence band to the conduction band. This increase in the number of charge carriers results in enhanced electrical conductivity. At lower temperatures, fewer electrons have enough energy to move into the conduction band, resulting in lower conductivity. Thus, understanding the impact of temperature on semiconductor behavior is crucial for applications in electronics where semiconductors serve as the foundational building blocks in devices such as diodes and transistors.