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Ch.13 - Solids & Modern Materials
Chapter 13, Problem 70b

Indicate if each solid forms an n-type or a p-type semiconductor. b. germanium doped with gallium

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Identify the type of semiconductor: n-type or p-type. n-type semiconductors have extra electrons, while p-type semiconductors have extra holes.
Consider the base element: Germanium (Ge) is a group 14 element with four valence electrons.
Identify the dopant: Gallium (Ga) is a group 13 element with three valence electrons.
Determine the effect of the dopant: Gallium has one less valence electron than Germanium, creating a 'hole' or positive charge carrier.
Conclude the type of semiconductor: Since Gallium creates holes in the Germanium lattice, it forms a p-type semiconductor.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Semiconductors

Semiconductors are materials with electrical conductivity between that of conductors and insulators. Their conductivity can be modified by adding impurities, a process known as doping. This property makes them essential in electronic devices, as they can be engineered to control electrical current.
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Doping

Doping is the intentional introduction of impurities into a semiconductor to change its electrical properties. N-type doping involves adding elements with more valence electrons than the semiconductor, while p-type doping involves elements with fewer. This process creates charge carriers: electrons for n-type and holes for p-type semiconductors.

N-type and P-type Semiconductors

N-type semiconductors are created by doping with elements that have extra electrons, resulting in an abundance of negative charge carriers (electrons). In contrast, p-type semiconductors are formed by doping with elements that create 'holes' or positive charge carriers. The type of doping determines the semiconductor's behavior in electronic applications.
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