Semiconductors are found in almost everything we use today. They help power our computers and phones, and they also enable many of the features that we take for granted, such as GPS and touch screens. Here are seven ways that semiconductors are used in everyday products.
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1. Computers and Phones Rely on Semiconductors to Store and Process Information
The semiconductor industry is responsible for developing and manufacturing the chips that power our computers and phones. Without these chips, our devices would be much slower and less capable of storing large amounts of data. They store data in the form of bits, either 1s or 0s.
2. Semiconductors are Used in Solar Energy Panels
Solar energy panels contain photovoltaic cells, which are made of semiconductor materials. When sunlight hits these cells, it causes the electrons in the semiconductor to move around, generating an electric current. This current can then be used to power homes and businesses.
3. LED Lights Contain Semiconductors That Convert Electrical Energy into Light
LED lights are more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs because they use less electricity to produce the same amount of light. This is possible thanks to the semiconductors inside LED lights, which convert electrical energy into light. They allow electrons to flow through a material, which releases photons (particles of light).
4. Semiconductors are Used in TVs and Monitors
The semiconductor industry also manufactures the chips that power our TVs and monitors. These chips convert electrical signals into images that we can see on our screens. It is essential to have a high refresh rate in monitors, which is the number of times the image on the screen is refreshed per second. This ensures that the image is smooth and does not flicker.
5. Touch Screens Use a Thin Layer of Semiconductor Material
Touch screens work by detecting when a finger touches the surface. This is possible thanks to a thin layer of semiconductor material placed on the screen’s surface. When a finger touches the surface, it changes the electric field, which is detected by the semiconductor.
6. Semiconductor-Based Sensors are Used in Cars
Semiconductor-based sensors are used in cars to detect speed and engine temperature. These sensors work by detecting changes in the electrical resistance of the semiconductor material, which allows them to measure the desired quantity accurately.
7. Some Pharmaceutical Drugs Contain Semiconductors
Some pharmaceutical drugs contain semiconductors that can be used to target specific cells in the body. These semi-conductors help deliver the drug to the desired location, where it can then be absorbed by the cell. This helps to improve the efficacy of the drug and reduce side effects.
Semiconductors are a vital part of many modern technologies, and they have a wide range of applications. They help power our computers and phones, and they also enable many of the features that we take for granted, such as GPS and touch screens. With the continued development of semiconductor technology, one will likely find more uses for these fantastic materials.