Aluminium arsenide facts for kids
Aluminium arsenide is a special kind of chemical compound. Its chemical formula is AlAs. This means it's made up of two different elements: aluminium and arsenic. It's known for being a semiconductor, which means it can conduct electricity under certain conditions, making it useful in electronics.
Quick facts for kids Aluminium arsenide |
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| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | |
| Molar mass | 0 g mol-1 |
| Appearance | orange crystals |
| Density | 3.72 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | |
| Band gap | 2.12 eV (indirect) |
| Electron mobility | 200 cm2/(V·s) (300 K) |
| Thermal conductivity | 0.9 W/(cm·K) (300 K) |
| Refractive index (nD) | 3 (infrared) |
| Structure | |
| Crystal structure | Zinc Blende |
| Coordination geometry |
Tetrahedral |
| Related compounds | |
| Related semiconductor materials | Aluminium gallium arsenide, Aluminium indium arsenide, Aluminium antimonide, Boron arsenide |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) | |
What is Aluminium Arsenide?
Aluminium arsenide is a solid material that looks like orange crystals. It is important to know that this compound contains arsenic, which is a substance that can be harmful if not handled carefully. Because of the arsenic, aluminium arsenide is considered toxic.
How is it Used?
Aluminium arsenide is a type of semiconductor. This means it can control how electricity flows through it. Semiconductors are super important in making many electronic devices we use every day. Think about your phone, computer, or even solar panels – they all rely on semiconductor materials.
Aluminium arsenide is often used in combination with other similar materials. For example, it can be mixed with gallium arsenide to create a material called Aluminium gallium arsenide. These mixed materials are used to build advanced electronic parts. They are especially useful in making things like lasers and special light-emitting devices.
How is it Made?
Scientists make aluminium arsenide by combining two elements: aluminium and arsenic. They react these two elements together under controlled conditions to form the compound.
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See also
In Spanish: Arseniuro de aluminio para niños
