Question map
The majority charge carriers in a p-type semiconductor are
Explanation
In semiconductor physics, materials are classified based on their majority charge carriers. A p-type semiconductor is created by doping an intrinsic semiconductor with trivalent impurities, which creates a deficiency of electrons known as 'holes'. These holes represent the absence of an electron in the valence band and behave as positive charge carriers [1]. In p-type materials, holes are the majority charge carriers because they are significantly more numerous than free electrons, which serve as the minority carriers. Conversely, in n-type semiconductors, electrons are the majority carriers. The movement of these holes from higher to lower potential facilitates the flow of electric current in p-type materials. Therefore, while both electrons and holes contribute to conductivity, holes dominate the transport process in p-type semiconductors.
Sources
- [1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/semiconductor-type