A semiconductor has generally ……………… valence electrons.Select one:a.2b. 6c.3d.4

Break Down the Problem

1. Identify the question: The question asks for the number of valence electrons in a semiconductor.
2. Options provided: a. 2, b. 6, c. 3, d. 4.

Relevant Concepts

1. Valence Electrons: Valence electrons are the electrons in the outer shell of an atom and are crucial in determining an element's chemical properties and conductivity.
2. Semiconductor Characteristics: Semiconductors are typically elements that have a moderate number of valence electrons, allowing them to conduct electricity under certain conditions.

Analysis and Detail

1. Common Semiconductors: The most common semiconductor materials, such as silicon (Si) and germanium (Ge), have 4 valence electrons. This characteristic is crucial for their ability to form covalent bonds, which allows them to conduct electricity when doped with other elements.

Verify and Summarize

1. Correct Option: Among the given options, the choice with 4 valence electrons is consistent with the known properties of semiconductor materials.

Final Answer

The correct answer is d. 4. Semiconductors typically have 4 valence electrons.