Question

The electronics industry manufactures transistors using arsenic diffusion. Refer to the periodic table and predict an element that may substitute for arsenic.

Short answer

Phosphorus (P) can substitute for arsenic in semiconductor manufacturing.

Step-by-step solution

Review the Periodic Table

Arsenic (As) is located in Group 15 of the periodic table, which consists of the pnictogens family. When seeking substitutes, it's ideal to consider elements within the same group because they share similar chemical properties.

Identify Elements in the Same Group

In the periodic table, the elements in Group 15 include Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Arsenic (As), Antimony (Sb), and Bismuth (Bi). These elements have similar valence electron configurations which often result in similar chemical behavior.

Evaluate Chemical Properties

While all Group 15 elements could potentially substitute for arsenic, Phosphorus (P) and Antimony (Sb) are the closest in terms of electronic configuration and stability when it comes to diffusing in semiconductors like silicon. Among these, Phosphorus is commonly used due to its effectiveness and abundance.

Make the Prediction

Based on the periodic table trends and compatibility for similar chemical processes in semiconductor manufacturing, Phosphorus (P) is a suitable substitute for Arsenic (As) in the diffusion process.

Key concepts

Periodic Table

The periodic table is a fundamental tool in chemistry that organizes all known chemical elements in a systematic way. Elements are arranged by increasing atomic number, which corresponds to the number of protons in an atom's nucleus. This organized structure reveals patterns and relationships in the properties of elements.

- Groups: Vertical columns, also known as families, in the periodic table are called 'groups.' Elements in the same group have the same number of valence electrons, resulting in similar chemical properties. - Periods: Horizontal rows in the periodic table are called 'periods.' The atomic radius decreases from left to right across a period due to the increase in nuclear charge pulling electrons closer.

The periodic table helps chemists predict element behavior, potential reactivity, and possible substitutes in chemical processes by examining group trends and periods. For example, looking at Group 15 elements can reveal which elements might substitute for others due to similar properties.

Group 15 Elements

Group 15 is known as the pnictogens family in the periodic table. It contains five main elements: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Arsenic (As), Antimony (Sb), and Bismuth (Bi).

These elements are characterized by having five valence electrons in their outermost shell, which greatly influences their chemical behavior.
- **Nitrogen (N):** A non-metal found in the atmosphere, essential for life and involved in many biological processes. - **Phosphorus (P):** Also a non-metal, known for its role in DNA and energy transfer in cells. - **Arsenic (As):** A metalloid that is toxic in its inorganic form but commonly used in semiconductors. - **Antimony (Sb):** Another metalloid used in flame retardants and alloys. - **Bismuth (Bi):** The heaviest non-radioactive element, used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Group 15 elements share common characteristics due to their electron configuration. This makes them suitable candidates for substitution in various chemical processes.

Phosphorus as Arsenic Substitute

Phosphorus (P) is frequently considered as a substitute for Arsenic (As) in semiconductors. This substitution is possible due to their similarity in the number of valence electrons and chemical behavior.

- **Diffusion Compatibility:** Both phosphorus and arsenic can diffuse in semiconductors. Phosphorus is often preferred due to its abundance compared to arsenic, making it more cost-effective for mass production. - **Chemical Properties:** Phosphorus, being directly above arsenic in the periodic table, shares similar ionization energy and electronegativity values. This allows it to effectively replicate arsenic's role in semiconductor processes.

When manufacturing transistors, phosphorus can be used to dope silicon, improving the semiconductor material's electrical properties. In summary, the chemical similarities and advantageous properties make phosphorus a highly effective substitute for arsenic in electronic components.