Which of the following is an example of a semiconductor?

A semiconductor is a material that has electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator. Silicon is the classic example of a semiconductor, widely used in electronics for components like diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits. Unlike metals such as gold and iron, which are conductors that allow electricity to flow freely, or plastics, which are insulators that do not conduct electricity, silicon can conduct electricity under certain conditions.

In semiconductors, the conductivity can be modified by adding impurities (a process known as doping) or by changing temperature. This unique property makes silicon essential in modern electronic devices, paving the way for advances in technology such as computers and mobile phones. Thus, selecting silicon as the example illustrates the defining characteristics and applications of semiconductors in the field of electronics.