Pyrite is a naturally occurring mineral known as false gold due to its appearance. We shall discuss the electric properties of pyrite in this article.
Pyrite can conduct electricity by allowing the electric flux to flow through it. Even when heated, a weak electric current is generated by its matter. It composes of iron and sulfur, represented by the chemical formula FeS2. Iron and sulfur are electric conductors, and their metallic bond consists of free electrons.
Pyrite is used as a mirror, ornamental stone, and amateur and is a source of sulfur. We shall further discuss the electrical conductivity of pyrite in detail and learn why the electrical conductivity of pyrite is at a small scale. We shall also discuss pyrite’s thermal conductivity and its uses as a good conductor.
How does pyrite conduct electricity?
Any matter can conduct electricity due to the presence of free electrons and their mobility. Let us discuss how pyrite can conduct electricity.
Pyrite conducts electricity by attracting electrons toward it. The attraction of electrons is due to the vacancy in the electronic orbital of sulfur. The electronic configuration of sulfur is [Ne] 3s2 3p4, having two vacant spaces, while the electronic configuration of iron is [Ar] 3d6 4s2 having four vacant orbitals.
Electrical Conductivity of Pyrite
The electrical conductivity of pyrite relies upon the mobility of charges and their density per unit area. Let us talk about the electrical conductivity of pyrite.
The electrical conductivity of pyrite is in the range of 1-10 S/m and depends upon the amount of sulfur, iron, and other impurities present in its matter. Pyrite has high grain density and is linearly related to its conductivity; thus, the electrical conductivity of pyrite increases with the density of grains.
Why is pyrite a poor conductor of electricity?
The poor conductors allow a very low electric flux density to pass through its matter. Let us analyze the reason behind the poor conductivity of pyrite.
Pyrite is a poor conductor of electricity because the iron and sulfur molecules are arranged to form a primitive cubic closed-packed crystal structure. The density of the electrons per unit volume of the pyrite is small, allowing the scattered flow of electric flux.
Is pyrite a semiconductor?
Semiconductors are those that partially behave as conductors. Let us discuss whether the conductive pyrite also behaves as an insulator.
Pyrite is a semiconductor because it can conduct the electric flow as well as shows the characteristics of an insulator by terminating the flow of electric current. The pyrite matter has a potential band gap of 0.95 eV. Pyrite is an n-type semiconductor mainly because of the electron deficiency of electrons in sulfur.
Uses of Pyrite as Conductor
Pyrite has found various applications in the electronic field, being a semiconductor. Let us least some uses of pyrite as a conductor here below.
- Pyrite is used in solar cells and other solar technologies because it can attract photons and electrons and intensify its conductivity.
- Pyrite is used as a cathode in batteries.
- Iron-rich pyrite is used in the manufacturing of photovoltaic cells.
- Pyrite is used as a diode due to its semiconducting properties.
Does pyrite conduct heat?
The other name for pyrite is ‘fire’ because it produces a spark on friction. Let us discuss whether pyrite can conduct heat or not.
The pyrite can conduct heat, allowing heat energy to flow across its matter. The thermal conductivity of pyrite is 40 W/m.K due to the availability of charges distributed throughout its volume. The grain size of pyrite is greater than or equal to 5 mm, and the rate of thermal conductivity of pyrite is low.
Electrical Resistivity of Pyrite
The electrical resistivity of pyrite tries to terminate the electric flow through it. Let us ponder on the electrical resistivity of pyrite.
The electrical resistivity of pyrite is in the range of 0.1-1 Ώ/m and is inversely related to pyrite’s electric conductivity. The electrical resistivity of pyrite is directly proportional to the density of its matter. It is calculated using the expression ρ = (RA)/L, where ρ is the resistivity and R is the resistance.
Conclusion
We can conclude with this article that pyrite is a good conductor of electricity because it can attract electrons toward it and increase its charge density. It is a semiconductor as it partially terminates the electric flux through it. The presence of impurities in pyrite can fluctuate its electric conductivity.
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Hi, I’m Akshita Mapari. I have done M.Sc. in Physics. I have worked on projects like Numerical modeling of winds and waves during cyclone, Physics of toys and mechanized thrill machines in amusement park based on Classical Mechanics. I have pursued a course on Arduino and have accomplished some mini projects on Arduino UNO. I always like to explore new zones in the field of science. I personally believe that learning is more enthusiastic when learnt with creativity. Apart from this, I like to read, travel, strumming on guitar, identifying rocks and strata, photography and playing chess.