In the context of a silicon-based semiconductor, match each of the following descriptions to the type of semiconductor: n-type or p-type semiconductor.
a) contains electron holes;
b) dopant-phosphorous;
c) contains extra electrons;
d) dopant-boron
thanks so much, im stuck...
What is your thinking? We will be happy to critique your thinking.
To determine whether a silicon-based semiconductor is n-type or p-type, you need to understand the concept of doping. Doping is the intentional introduction of impurities into a pure semiconductor to modify its electrical properties.
a) If a semiconductor contains electron holes, it is referred to as a p-type semiconductor. In p-type semiconductors, impurities are added to create electron holes (absence of electrons), which act as majority carriers.
b) When phosphorous is added as a dopant to a silicon semiconductor, it donates extra electrons to the crystal structure. This leads to the formation of an excess of negatively charged electrons, making it an n-type semiconductor.
c) A semiconductor that contains extra electrons is an n-type semiconductor. The presence of impurities, such as phosphorous, adds extra electrons to the semiconductor's crystal structure, creating an excess of negatively charged carriers.
d) When boron is introduced as a dopant in a silicon-based semiconductor, it creates electron holes. As a result, the semiconductor becomes p-type because electron holes become the majority carriers.
So, to match the descriptions to the types of semiconductors:
a) contains electron holes - p-type semiconductor
b) dopant-phosphorous - n-type semiconductor
c) contains extra electrons - n-type semiconductor
d) dopant-boron - p-type semiconductor