Consider an n-type semiconductor in which nₑ and nₕ denote electron and hole concentrations respectively. Statements: A) holes are minority carriers; B) the dopant is a pentavalent atom; C) nₑnₕ ≠ nᵢ²; D) nₑnₕ ≥ nᵢ²; E) holes are not generated by the donor atoms. Choose the correct set.
Options

Question

Consider an n-type semiconductor in which nₑ and nₕ denote electron and hole concentrations respectively. Statements: A) holes are minority carriers; B) the dopant is a pentavalent atom; C) nₑnₕ ≠ nᵢ²; D) nₑnₕ ≥ nᵢ²; E) holes are not generated by the donor atoms. Choose the correct set.

Options

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

In an n-type semiconductor, donor impurities contribute extra electrons, so electrons are majority carriers and holes are minority carriers. Hence A is true. Donor impurities are typically pentavalent atoms, so B is true. At thermal equilibrium, the mass-action law is nₑnₕ = nᵢ². Therefore both C and D, as written, are false. Donor atoms contribute electrons; they do not directly generate holes. Hence E is true. Thus A, B and E are correct. Correct option: B.