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General Science • PhysicsMedium

What type of semiconductor is formed when pure silicon is doped with a pentavalent impurity like phosphorus or arsenic?

A. Intrinsic semiconductor
B. p-type semiconductor
C. n-type semiconductor✓ Correct Answer
D. Extrinsic insulator

💡 Solution & Explanation

Doping pure silicon with a pentavalent impurity from group fifteen, such as phosphorus or arsenic, introduces extra free electrons and creates an n-type semiconductor where electrons serve as majority charge carriers. Conversely, trivalent dopants like boron create p-type semiconductors with electron deficiencies known as holes. Semiconductor physics forms a core component of science and technology curricula.

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