Physics Electronics PMDC Conceptual Practice
PMDC Verified Question 94 of 494
An N-type semiconductor is created by doping pure silicon with pentavalent impurity atoms. Which statement accurately describes the charge carriers in this material?
A
Holes are majority carriers and donor ions are negative
B
Electrons are majority carriers and holes are minority carriers
C
Electrons and holes exist in strictly equal concentrations
D
Conduction is carried out exclusively by positive holes
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option B: Electrons are majority carriers and holes are minority carriers
Concept:

Pentavalent impurity atoms (donors like P, As, Sb) provide extra valence electrons that enter the conduction band, making electrons the predominant mobile charge carriers.

Formula:

$$n \approx N_D \gg p$$

Solution:

  • Each pentavalent atom donates one conduction electron while leaving behind a fixed positive donor ion.


  • Thermal generation creates a few electron-hole pairs, meaning electrons are the majority carriers and holes are the minority carriers.


Why other options are incorrect:

  • Option A: In N-type materials, electrons are the majority carriers and donor ions are positively charged.
  • Option C: Equal concentrations (\( n = p = n_i \)) only occur in pure intrinsic semiconductors.
  • Option D: Conduction in N-type material is dominated by free electrons.

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