Question: 1. (a) Define: (i) A perfect conductor; (marks 2) (ii) A perfect insulator. (marks 2) (b) Explain the meaning of the term Fermi level

1. (a) Define: (i) A perfect conductor; (marks 2) (ii) A perfect

1. (a) Define: (i) A perfect conductor; (marks 2) (ii) A perfect insulator. (marks 2) (b) Explain the meaning of the term Fermi level and its relationship to the Pauli exclusion principle. (marks 3) (c) With the aid of clearly labelled schematic diagrams, explain the differences in the band structure and band filling between conductors, semiconductors and insulators. (marks 6) (d) Briefly discuss the relationship between the electrical conductivity of materials and the different types of interatomic bonding interactions that they may exhibit. (marks 3) (e) Briefly discuss the mechanism of electrical conduction in a solid state ionic conductor. Highlight the differences between such a conductor and a conventional electronic conductor and explain how the conductivity might be increased. (marks 4)

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