Suppose n_p and n_e denote the numbers of holes and conduction electrons in an extrinsic semiconductor.

Step-by-step solution

In an intrinsic semiconductor, the number of holes is equal to the number of conduction electrons, giving n_p = n_e . An extrinsic semiconductor is formed by doping an intrinsic semiconductor with either pentavalent or trivalent impurities. For an n-type semiconductor, electrons are the majority charge carriers, so n_e > n_p . For a p-type semiconductor, holes are the majority charge carriers, so n_p > n_e . Therefore, in any extrinsic semiconductor, the number of holes is never equal to the number of conduction el