What is a Semiconductor? Explained Simply for Beginners by The Tech Academy

Semiconductors are the secret behind how and why computers are able to perform the seemingly magical functions we see everyday! There are billions of semiconductors in the modern computer. So what is a semiconductor exactly?

In this video, Erik Gross (the Co-Founder of The Tech Academy) describes semiconductors in plain English.

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The script/outline for this video was co-authored by the other Tech Academy Co-Founder (Jack Stanley). This is a free educational video and its purpose is to teach. Any video clips and images in this video are utilized in accordance with YouTube’s fair use guidelines and policies.

[gschmarri]

this was an incredibly well done explanation

[flyasicanbe]

You have a great way of explaining things! Thank you so much

[kagoma]

Thank you for the brief and simple explanation.

[badmotorginger]

oh, so that's what a semi-conductor is. I can go to sleep now without this burning question on my mind. Thanks!

[trashowo]

Yes that's what I was looking for

[deanharrison]

thank you. ive a job interview today and this helped a lot

[jaserdavari]

Great video. You explained everything perfectly. Thanks

[spoileralert]

Thanks. But what is the tiny amount of metal added to the silicon?
Also how is the gate opened or closed?

[QCinvestco]

thank you for explaining it in a simple way.

[kibozing]

This was very helpful, thank you very much!

[ryananthony]

at 2:45 those beautiful tubes.... still #1 for making music

[williamdiaz]

Awesome. Very clearly explained. Thank you sir

[thomaskenchington]

I came here thinking I had some idea… I had no idea but I do now. Thanks for the explanation!

[kyststudio-epicartadventure]

A computer is BASICALLY a complex set of on/off switches. The one
I saw in college was a set of vertical wires and horizontal wires, with a ring magnet at each intersection. This thing was about 18” x 18”. A real dinosaur.

[clay]

I’m not tech one bit and understand almost nothing, but this was excellent information.

[rammuga]

Explanation is incredible.. But what is that special Metal added to Silicon. Is it one metal or several metals can be added to silicon

[NK-iwrq]

Great explanation, this stuff is absolutely mind blowing to me 🤯

[doointhedoo]

what's the other metal that is mixed with silicon? would be nice to know since this is the main subject of your video.

[shabbataishabba]

Cool storie but WHAT makes it turn to 1 or 0 ? Heat ? Electrons ? Protons/neutrons ?

[chriswayneevans]

Thanks for explaining this so succinctly 👍