A '''semiconductor''' is a conductor whose resistance decreases with increased temperature. Superconductors consist of a lattice of a group four element, typically [[silicon]] or [[germanium]]. The [[electron]]s that cause current flow are bound in the lattice, with on average 1 free electron per 250,000 atoms. When energy (usually heat) is supplied to the conductor electrons are freed from the lattice and conduction occurs. More energy increases the number of free electrons up to a point where the substance loses its conductivity.
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A '''semiconductor''' is a conductor whose resistance decreases with increased temperature. Semiconductors in common commercial use consist of a lattice of a group four element, typically [[silicon]] or [[germanium]]. The [[electron]]s that cause current flow are bound in the lattice, with on average 1 free electron per 250,000 atoms. When energy (usually heat) is supplied to the conductor electrons are freed from the lattice and conduction occurs. More energy increases the number of free electrons up to a point where the substance loses its conductivity.