University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 42 - Molecules and Condensed Matter - Problems - Discussion Questions - Page 1434: Q42.18

Answer

See explanation.

Work Step by Step

To serve as a donor impurity in silicon or Ge, an element should have 5 valence shell electrons. Of these, 4 will be occupied making the usual bonds that Si/Ge would make, while the extra serves as a mobile negative charge carrier. To serve as an acceptor impurity in silicon or Ge, an element should have 3 valence shell electrons. This lack of an electron compared to Si/Ge produces a “hole”, which acts as a mobile positive charge carrier.
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