Explanation
- A
Aluminium
Aluminium is a metal and a good electrical conductor, used in power lines. It is not a semiconductor. This option is not the key.
- B
Silicon
Silicon is a group-14 metalloid and the principal elemental semiconductor of the electronics industry. Its conductivity lies between metals and insulators and is tunable by doping. This option is the official key.
- C
Silver
Silver is the best metallic electrical conductor among common metals, not a semiconductor. This option is therefore wrong.
- D
Lead
Lead is a metal. It is not used as a semiconductor wafer material. This option is not the key.
Summary. Official key is (b) Silicon. Semiconductors have resistivity between conductors and insulators; silicon and germanium are the classic elemental examples. Aluminium, silver and lead are metals and conduct freely. Only silicon in this list is a semiconductor.
Same topic · past papers
UPPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
-
2025 · Q100 · UPPGS
Consider the following elements found in a typical 70 kg man and arrange them in correct increasing order. 1. Sodium 2. Potassium 3. Copper 4. Iron Select the correct answer from the code given below: -
2023 · Q96 · UPPGS
Which of the following elements is NOT a noble gas? -
2020 · Q79 · UPPGS
The movement of nutrient elements through the various components of an ecosystem is called -
2020 · Q116 · UPPGS
Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) : and the other as Reason (R): Assertion (A): The nature of Indian Political System embodies the elements of 'continuity and change'. Reason (R): The Indian Political System contains the elements of the following political system such as the modern style, the traditional style and saint style. Select the correct answer from the codes given below.