Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]PhysicsSemiconductors and Semiconductor Devices
Suppose a semiconductor is doped with a donor impurity.
Options
- AThe concentration of holes decreases.
- BThe concentration of electrons increases.
- CThe concentration of electrons decreases.
- DThe concentration of holes increases.
Correct answer
B. The concentration of electrons increases.
Step-by-step solution
When a semiconductor is doped with a donor impurity, pentavalent atoms are added to the crystal lattice. Each donor atom provides one extra electron to the conduction band. As a result, the concentration of electrons ( n_e ) increases significantly. According to the law of mass action for semiconductors, n_e n_h = n_i^2 , where n_h is the concentration of holes and n_i is the intrinsic carrier concentration. Since n_i is constant at a given temperature, an increase in n_e leads to a decrease in the concentration of