Working with LEDs: Estimating Semiconductor Band Gap Using LEDs

The Materials Science and Technology Teacher's Workshop (MAST) provides this activity for classes learning about semiconductors and LEDs (light-emitting diodes). The class will observe visible LEDs in simple electrical circuits, relate the composition of semiconductor materials with their behavior and estimate the band gap of a semiconductor material. The lesson includes step by step directions for the experiment. The activity should require about one hour of class time to complete. Discussion questions and teacher notes are included.