1. Tardigrade
  2. Question
  3. Chemistry
  4. If we mix a pentavalent impurity in a crystal lattice of germanium, what type of semiconductor formation will occur?

Q. If we mix a pentavalent impurity in a crystal lattice of germanium, what type of semiconductor formation will occur?

 1787  160 AIPMTAIPMT 1996The Solid State Report Error

Solution:

When an impurity atom with 5 valence electrons (as arsenic) is introduced in a germanium crystal, it replaces one of the germanium atoms. Four of the five valence electrons of the impurity atom form covalent bonds with each valence electron of four germanium atoms and fifth valence electron becomes free to move in the crystal structure. This free electron acts as a charge carrier. Such as an impure germanium crystal is called n-type semiconductor because in it charge carriers are negative (free electrons).