Physics Electronics PMDC Conceptual Practice
PMDC Verified Question 93 of 494
In an extrinsic P-type semiconductor, the majority and minority charge carriers are respectively:
A
Electrons and holes
B
Holes and electrons
C
Holes and positive ions
D
Electrons and protons
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option B: Holes and electrons
Concept:

Doping a tetravalent semiconductor with trivalent impurity atoms generates an excess of electron vacancies (holes) in the valence band, making holes the majority carriers while thermally generated conduction electrons remain the minority carriers.

Formula:

$$p \gg n \quad \text{and} \quad p \cdot n = n_i^2$$

Solution:

  • Trivalent dopants (acceptors) create abundant holes without generating equal conduction electrons.


  • Therefore, holes constitute the majority charge carriers, and electrons form the minority charge carriers.


Why other options are incorrect:

  • Option A: This describes an N-type semiconductor where electrons are the majority carriers.
  • Option C: Positive ions are fixed dopant cores in the crystal lattice and are not mobile charge carriers.
  • Option D: Protons are bound inside atomic nuclei and do not take part in electrical conduction in solids.

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