Difference Between N-Type and P-Type Semiconductor

Pure semiconductors (like Silicon or Germanium) are very poor conductors of electricity. To make them useful, we 'dope' them with impurities. Depending on the impurity added, we get two types of extrinsic semiconductors: N-Type and P-Type.

Question (Click to Flip)

What is the difference between n-type and p-type semiconductor?

Answer

An N-type semiconductor is doped with pentavalent impurities and its main charge carriers are electrons. A P-type semiconductor is doped with trivalent impurities and its main charge carriers are holes.

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Key Facts

N-Type: Pentavalent impurity, Majority carriers = Electrons.

P-Type: Trivalent impurity, Majority carriers = Holes.

Neutrality: Both N-type and P-type semiconductors are electrically NEUTRAL overall. The 'N' and 'P' just refer to the majority charge carriers.

1. N-Type Semiconductor (Negative)

Doping: Made by adding a Pentavalent impurity (an element with 5 valence electrons, like Phosphorus, Arsenic, or Antimony) to pure Silicon.
Mechanism: 4 electrons form bonds, leaving the 5th electron free to move and conduct electricity.
Majority Carriers: Free Electrons (negative charge).
Minority Carriers: Holes.

2. P-Type Semiconductor (Positive)

Doping: Made by adding a Trivalent impurity (an element with 3 valence electrons, like Boron, Aluminium, or Gallium) to pure Silicon.
Mechanism: The 3 electrons form bonds, leaving a missing bond or empty space called a 'Hole'.
Majority Carriers: Holes (acts as a positive charge).
Minority Carriers: Electrons.

Key Differences

Feature	N-Type	P-Type
Impurity Added	Pentavalent (Group 15)	Trivalent (Group 13)
Majority Carriers	Electrons	Holes
Minority Carriers	Holes	Electrons
Energy Level	Donor level is near conduction band	Acceptor level is near valence band

Questions and Answers

What is the difference between n-type and p-type semiconductor?+

Which impurity is added to make a P-type semiconductor?+

A trivalent impurity (like Boron or Gallium, which has 3 valence electrons) is added to make a P-type semiconductor.

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