Question

Semiconductor strain gauges typically have much higher gauge factors than metallic strain gauges, primarily due to

• A. Higher temperature sensitivity
• B. Higher piezoresistive coefficient
• C. Higher Poisson's ratio
• D. Higher magnetostrictive coefficient

Hint:

Gauge factor is \[ \boxed{ GF=\frac{\Delta R/R}{\varepsilon}. } \] Semiconductor strain gauges have high gauge factors because of the strong piezoresistive effect.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Recall the working principle of semiconductor strain gauges. Semiconductor strain gauges exhibit a large change in electrical resistance when subjected to strain. This is mainly due to the \[ \boxed{\text{Piezoresistive effect}.} \]

Step 2: Identify the reason for high gauge factor. Compared to metallic strain gauges, semiconductor strain gauges have a much larger \[ \boxed{\text{Piezoresistive coefficient},} \] which gives them a much higher gauge factor. Hence, \[ \boxed{(B)} \] is the correct answer.