PhysicsChapter 9: Electronics
P-Type and N-Type Semiconductors
Introduction
A pure semiconductor can have its electrical properties changed through doping. Doping produces P-type or N-type semiconductor material.
Definition
N-type
N-type material contains extra free electrons supplied through suitable doping. Its **majority carriers are electrons**. Holes still exist, but they are minority carriers.
P-type
P-type material has **holes as majority carriers**. Electrons are still present but are minority carriers.
Important Point
The terms P-type and N-type describe the **majority charge carriers**. They do not mean that the entire material has a large overall positive or negative charge. The material is generally electrically neutral overall.
Why This Matters
Joining P-type and N-type materials produces a **P-N junction**, the foundation of semiconductor diodes and many other electronic devices.
Quick revision
Revision Zone
Review the key facts, formulas and checks before you move on.P-Type and N-Type Semiconductors
Sticky Notes · Quick Revision
N-TYPE
- Electrons majority
P-TYPE
- Holes majority
JOIN THEM
- P-N junction
60-second revision
- N → electrons majority.
- P → holes majority.
- Both → doped semiconductors.
- P + N → junction.
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