Physics Electronics PMDC Conceptual Practice
PMDC Verified Question 431 of 494
The Law of Mass Action in a semiconductor at thermal equilibrium states that the product of free electron concentration (\( n \)) and hole concentration (\( p \)) is:
A
Directly proportional to the applied external bias voltage
B
Equal to the sum of donor and acceptor impurity atoms \( (N_D + N_A) \)
C
Constant at a given temperature and equal to the square of intrinsic carrier concentration (\( n_i^2 \))
D
Zero at all temperatures above absolute zero
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option C: Constant at a given temperature and equal to the square of intrinsic carrier concentration (\( n_i^2 \))
Concept:

The Law of Mass Action states that under thermal equilibrium, the product of electron and hole concentrations depends only on temperature and the semiconductor material, regardless of doping levels.

Formula:

$$n \cdot p = n_i^2(T) = N_c N_v e^{-\frac{E_g}{k_B T}}$$

Solution:

  • Increasing the majority carrier concentration through doping leads to a proportional reduction in the minority carrier concentration via recombination.


  • Consequently, the product \( n \cdot p \) remains constant at a given temperature and equals \( n_i^2 \).


Why other options are incorrect:

  • Option A: The Law of Mass Action applies at thermal equilibrium with zero applied bias.
  • Option B: \( n \cdot p \) depends on \( n_i^2 \) rather than the sum of dopant densities.
  • Option D: \( n \cdot p = n_i^2 > 0 \) at any non-zero absolute temperature.

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