Answer: semiconductor; at the sound source.
Answer analysis: This question mainly examines the application of semiconductor materials and the method of reducing noise.
First, let's look at the main materials of the diode. The diode is an electronic device with unidirectional conductivity, and its main material is semiconductor. The conductivity of semiconductor materials is between conductors and insulators, and it has unique electrical properties, making it an ideal choice for making electronic devices such as diodes.
Next, let's look at how modern cities pay attention to environmental protection, especially in terms of automobile noise control. In order to reduce the noise generated when the car is driving, the car will be installed with a muffler when it leaves the factory. The working principle of the muffler is to set obstacles in the process of noise propagation, so that the sound waves are hindered in the process of propagation, thereby achieving the effect of reducing noise. Therefore, installing a muffler is an effective way to reduce noise at the sound source (that is, the car itself).
To sum up, the answer to this question is: semiconductor; at the sound source.