Question:
In an n-type silicon, which of the following statement is true:
(a) Electrons are majority carriers and trivalent atoms are the dopants.
(b) Electrons are minority carriers and pentavalent atoms are the dopants.
(c) Holes are minority carriers and pentavalent atoms are the dopants.
(d) Holes are majority carriers and trivalent atoms are the dopants.
Solution:
The correct statement is (c).
In an n-type silicon, the electrons are the majority carriers, while the holes are the minority carriers. An n-type semiconductor is obtained when pentavalent atoms, such as phosphorus, are doped in silicon atoms.