Question

_____ are substances that are capable of enabling as well as inhibiting the flow of electricity. Insulators Semiconductors Resistors Inductors Thermostats

Answer 1

Answer:

Semiconductors.

Explanation:

Semiconductors are materials whose electrical conductivities range between that of an insulator and that of a conductor.

Most pure semi-conductors have 4 valence electrons that are usually not available for conduction of electricity (as movement of electrons is what causes the conduction of electricity). In pure semi conductors, it is the holes (spaces supposed to be occupied by electrons) that are usually responsible for the conduction of electricity.

Semi Conductors can undergo a phenomenon called doping and semi conductors' electrical conductivities can be tweaked to go to very extreme highs after doping. Doping is done in two ways, it could entail the addition of impurities that add electrons to the semi conductors (leading to n-type of semi conductors; impurities that lead to this type of semi conductors, include Phosphorus, Arsenic, etc.) or impurities that help remove electrons and increase the number of holes (p-type semi conductor; the impurities that lead to this type of semi conductors, include Boron, Galium etc.). Conductivity can be increased either ways though.

So, conductors can enable and inhibit the flow of electricity.

Answer 2

Answer:

Semiconductors.

Explanation:

Semiconductors are defined as solid substances that have conductivity between that of an insulator or non-conductors (like ceramics) and that of conductors most metals, either due to the addition of an impurity or because of temperature effects.

Devices made of semiconductors, notably silicon, are essential components of most electronic circuits.