Multiple choice

Which of the following pair of transition metal oxides is likely to be categorized as semiconductors?

  1. FeO, VO

  2. Fe2O3, CrO2

  3. V2O5, Mn2O3

  4. Mn2O3, VO

  5. CuO, MnO

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

When potential difference is applied to mobile electrons, they conduct electric current. In this case the energy band gap is very low or zero, hence such type of molecules are called metallic or good conductors to electricity (like - VO, TiO, CrO2, etc.). If the energy band gap is  more than that of metallic conductors they are reffered to as semiconductor, i.e., FeO, V2O5, Mn2O3, CuO, etc. If the energy band gap is very large, the molecules are called as insulators like - MnO. Hence, V2O5 and Mn2O3 are both categorized as semiconductors.