| English | n-type semiconductor |
|---|---|
| Bahasa Melayu | Semikonduktor jenis-n |
| 中文 | N型半导体 |
Definition
A semiconductor doped so that free electrons are the majority charge carriers.
In exam terms
An n-type semiconductor is a semiconductor that has been doped so that free electrons are the majority charge carriers. It is made by adding a pentavalent impurity (an atom with five valence electrons, such as phosphorus) to pure silicon; four electrons bond with silicon and the fifth is free to move and carry current.
Example of correct use: in an n-type semiconductor the current is carried mainly by the extra free electrons, while positive holes act only as the minority carriers.
Do not confuse it with…
Do not confuse an n-type with a p-type semiconductor. In n-type the majority carriers are negative electrons (added by a pentavalent impurity); in p-type the majority carriers are positive holes (added by a trivalent impurity).
Both are still electrically neutral overall.
In Paper 2 you may be asked to explain how an n-type is formed or to state its majority carrier; name a pentavalent dopant and say the extra electron is free to conduct.
Source: DSKP KSSM Physics Form 4 and 5 (Versi English) (Bahagian Pembangunan Kurikulum (BPK), KPM)