Question

In an intrinsic semiconductor, conductivity is due to

• A. doping
• B. breaking of covalent bonds
• C. free electrons
• D. holes

Answer 1

The correct option is B breaking of covalent bonds

In intrinsic semiconductors, $n=p$. Hence, at room temperature, no free electrons are available for conduction. If some energy is supplied to the atoms of intrinsic semiconductor, the covalent bonds will break and electrons will be freed, each electron will leave behind a hole and capture a new hole the process will continued and charge flows through intrinsic semiconductor. Thus, in intrinsic semiconductor conductivity is due to breaking of covalent bonds.