Elektronenleitung

Elektronenleitung, also known as electronic conduction, is the movement of electrically charged electrons through a material. This phenomenon is fundamental to the operation of electrical devices and is a key concept in physics and electrical engineering. Materials can be broadly classified based on their ability to conduct electricity.

Conductors are materials that readily allow electrons to flow through them. This is typically due to a large number of free electrons that are not tightly bound to individual atoms. Metals like copper, silver, and gold are excellent conductors. In contrast, insulators are materials that resist the flow of electrons. Their electrons are tightly bound to atoms, making it difficult for them to move freely. Examples of insulators include rubber, glass, and plastic.

Semiconductors fall between conductors and insulators. They have a limited number of free charge carriers and their conductivity can be controlled by various means, such as adding impurities (doping) or applying an electric field. Silicon and germanium are common semiconductor materials, forming the basis of transistors and integrated circuits. The controlled movement of electrons in semiconductors is crucial for modern electronics. The direction and magnitude of electron flow are governed by Ohm's law and Kirchhoff's laws in more complex circuits.