What is a p-type semiconductor?
Q: What is a p-type semiconductor?
A: A p-type semiconductor is a type of semiconductor where a trivalent impurity is added to an intrinsic or pure semiconductor like silicon or germanium.
Q: What are acceptor impurities?
A: Trivalent impurities such as Boron (B), Gallium (Ga), Indium (In), and Aluminum (Al) are called acceptor impurities.
Q: What are ordinary semiconductors made of?
A: Ordinary semiconductors are made of materials that fall halfway between conductors and insulators and do not conduct an electric current very well.
Q: How does an electric current occur in a material?
A: In order for an electric current to occur, electrons must move through the material, and there must be an electron hole in the material for the electron to move into.
Q: How does a p-type semiconductor allow current to flow?
A: A p-type semiconductor has more holes than electrons, allowing the current to flow along the material from hole to hole but only in one direction.
Q: What is silicon, and how is it used to make semiconductors?
A: Silicon is an element with four electrons in its outer shell, and it is most often used to make semiconductors. To make a p-type semiconductor, extra materials like boron or aluminum are added to the silicon, creating a hole in the place of the fourth electron.
Q: What is the purpose of adding a trivalent impurity to a pure semiconductor?
A: Adding a trivalent impurity like boron or aluminum to a pure semiconductor creates electron holes and allows for the flow of electric current in a p-type semiconductor.
