Question

Which of the statements is true for p-type semiconductors?

• A. Electrons are the majority carriers and trivalent atoms are the dopants.
• B. Holes are the majority carriers and trivalent atoms are the dopants.
• C. Holes are the majority carriers and pentavalent atoms are the dopants.
• D. Electrons are the majority carriers and pentavalent atoms are the dopants

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Holes are the majority carriers and trivalent atoms are the dopants.

P-type semiconductors:

1. P-type semiconductors are semiconductors that have been doped with trivalent atoms such as boron, indium, or gallium. Four silicon atoms surround the impurity atom. Because it only has three valence electrons, it can only fill three covalent bonds.
2. The hole is formed by the vacancy in the fourth bond.
3. This hole accepts electrons from its surroundings.
4. Acceptor impurities are trivalent impurities because each hole they contribute can accept a free electron during recombination.
5. In a p-type semiconductor, the number of holes always exceeds the number of electrons. As a result, in a p-type semiconductor, holes are the majority carriers and electrons are the minority carriers. From hole to hole, current flows through the material.

Hence, Option(B) is correct.