Which of the following statements best describes a semiconductor?

A semiconductor is best described as a material that only conducts electricity under certain conditions. This unique property is what distinguishes semiconductors from conductors and insulators. Unlike conductors, which allow electric current to flow freely and have low resistance, semiconductors have conductivity that can be manipulated through various means such as doping (adding impurities), temperature changes, or the application of electric fields.

In electronic devices, semiconductors like silicon and germanium are fundamental as they can be used to create components such as diodes and transistors, which perform essential functions in circuits. For example, at lower temperatures, a semiconductor may behave like an insulator, while at higher temperatures or when voltage is applied, it may start to conduct electricity. This ability to switch between conducting and non-conducting states makes semiconductors crucial for creating controlled electronic components.

The other statements refer to properties that do not accurately describe semiconductors. Some might suggest characteristics of other materials, such as conductors or insulators, or misrepresent how semiconductors operate at various temperatures.