Question Detail

PHY 102 Test Compilation PHY 102 11 Objective Question

Question

In intrinsic semiconductors at room temperature, the number of electrons and holes are
Options
A Unequal
B Equal
Correct Answer
C Infinite
D Zero
Correct Answer

Option B is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

An intrinsic semiconductor is a pure semiconductor. At any temperature above absolute zero, thermal energy causes some valence electrons to break free from their covalent bonds and move into the conduction band, creating an equal number of electron-hole pairs. Therefore, in an intrinsic semiconductor, the number of electrons in the conduction band is equal to the number of holes in the valence band.

Hint

Consider the primary mechanism for charge carrier generation in a pure semiconductor.

Question Info