Question

Semiconductor material having fewer free electrons than pure germanium or silicon is

• A. p-type
• B. n-type
• C. Both [a] and [b]
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

$n$-type semiconductor crystal has freely moving (negative) electrons and an equal number of stationary positively charged donor ions. The crystal as a whole is neutral while in $p$-type semiconductor crystal has freely moving (positive) holes and an equal number of stationary negatively charged acceptor ions. Hence, $p$-type semiconductor material has fewer free electrons.