Chapter 29, Problem 13Q

To determine

Difference between N-type and P-type semiconductor

Explanation of Solution

When intrinsic semiconductor doped with pentavalent impurity like phosphorus, arsenic, bismuth, antimony etc. the impurity atom donates electrons hence electron become majority charge carriers and hole become minority charge carriers and the name given to such semiconductor is N type semiconductor or donor type semiconductor. In N type semiconductor a donor level is formed near conduction band so that electron can easily jump from donor level to conduction band and can conduct better.

When intrinsic semiconductor doped with trivalent impurity like aluminium, boron etc.,the impurity atom accept one electron hence electron become minority charge carriers and hole become majority charge carriers and the name given to such semiconductor is P type or acceptor type semiconductor. In P type semiconductor a acceptor level is formed near valence band so that electron can easily jump from valence band to acceptor level.