Physics Electronics PMDC Conceptual Practice
PMDC Verified Question 118 of 494
Which statement correctly describes the net electrical charge of an isolated N-type or P-type semiconductor crystal?
A
N-type is negatively charged; P-type is positively charged
B
N-type is positively charged; P-type is negatively charged
C
Both N-type and P-type semiconductors are electrically neutral
D
Both types carry a permanent net positive charge
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option C: Both N-type and P-type semiconductors are electrically neutral
Concept:

Doping introduces neutral impurity atoms into a neutral host crystal. Because the total number of protons equals the total number of electrons throughout the material, the entire crystal remains electrically neutral.

Formula:

$$\text{Charge Neutrality Equation: } q(p + N_D^+) = q(n + N_A^-) \implies Q_{\text{net}} = 0$$

Solution:

  • In N-type material, every free electron is balanced by a bound positive charge in the donor nucleus (\( N_D^+ \)).


  • In P-type material, every hole is balanced by a negative acceptor ion (\( N_A^- \)).


  • Therefore, both N-type and P-type semiconductors are strictly electrically neutral.


Why other options are incorrect:

  • Option A: Confuses mobile carrier majority types with the net charge of the bulk crystal.
  • Option B: Confuses fixed ion signs with the bulk crystal charge.
  • Option D: Semiconductor crystals do not possess a net static charge.

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