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

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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 element being doped: Germanium (Ge) and Silicon (Si) are both group 14 elements with 4 valence electrons.

Analyze the dopant for germanium: Gallium (Ga) is a group 13 element with 3 valence electrons. Doping Ge with Ga creates a p-type semiconductor because it introduces holes.

Analyze the dopant for silicon: Arsenic (As) is a group 15 element with 5 valence electrons. Doping Si with As creates an n-type semiconductor because it introduces extra electrons.

Summarize: Germanium doped with gallium forms a p-type semiconductor, and silicon doped with arsenic forms an n-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 allows semiconductors to be used in various electronic devices, as they can be engineered to conduct electricity under specific conditions.

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, providing extra electrons for conduction. P-type doping, on the other hand, involves adding elements with fewer valence electrons, creating 'holes' that facilitate positive charge movement.

N-type and P-type Semiconductors

N-type semiconductors are created by doping with elements that have extra electrons, such as phosphorus in silicon, which increases electron concentration. P-type semiconductors are formed by doping with elements that create holes, such as boron in silicon, which allows for the movement of positive charge carriers. Understanding the type of doping helps determine the semiconductor's behavior in electronic applications.