Physics Electronics PMDC Conceptual Practice
PMDC Verified Question 29 of 494
When a trivalent impurity (such as Indium or Boron) is introduced into a pure Germanium lattice, what type of semiconductor material is created?
A
N-type semiconductor
B
Intrinsic semiconductor
C
P-type semiconductor
D
Insulating ceramic
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option C: P-type semiconductor
Concept:

Trivalent atoms possess three valence electrons. When substituted into a group-IV semiconductor lattice (which requires four covalent bonds per atom), one bonding electron vacancy (hole) remains for every dopant atom, creating a p-type semiconductor.

Formula:

$$\text{Group III Dopant} + \text{Group IV Host} \implies p_h \gg n_e \quad (\text{p-type})$$

Solution:

  • Trivalent dopants (e.g., \(\text{B}\), \(\text{Al}\), \(\text{Ga}\), \(\text{In}\)) act as acceptors.


  • They create an excess of positive mobile charge carriers (holes).


  • Hence, the resulting extrinsic material is a p-type semiconductor.


Why other options are incorrect:

  • Option A: N-type semiconductors are formed by doping with pentavalent impurities (e.g., \(\text{P}\), \(\text{As}\), \(\text{Sb}\)).
  • Option B: An intrinsic semiconductor is pure, undoped crystal.
  • Option D: Doping increases semiconductor conductivity; it does not produce an insulator.

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