Question

Write down 5 differences between N-type and P-type semiconductors.

Answer 1

Materials which have their electrical conductivity more than non-metals but less than metals are called semiconductors. Impurities are added in semiconductors in order to increase their conductivity. When a trivalent impurity is added, the semiconductor is termed as P-type whereas it is called N-type if the pentavalent impurity is added.

Complete step by step solution:
The differences between N-type Semiconductor and P-type Semiconductor are shown in the below table:

N-type Semiconductor	P-type Semiconductor
Impurities such as Arsenic, Antimony, Phosphorous and Bismuth (elements having five valence electrons) are added in N-type semiconductors.	Impurities such as Aluminium, Gallium and Indium (elements having three valence electrons) are added in P-type semiconductors.
Impurities are added in N-type semiconductors in order to increase the number of electrons (also known as Donor atom).	Impurities are added in P-type semiconductors in order to increase the number of holes (also known as Acceptor atom).
In a N-type semiconductor, the majority of charge carriers are free electrons whereas the holes are in minority.	In a P-type semiconductor, the majority of charge carriers are holes whereas the free electrons are in minority.
In the case of N-type semiconductor, the majority of charge carriers move from low potential to high potential.	In the case of a P-type semiconductor, the majority of charge carriers move from high potential to low potential.
The donor energy level is close to the conduction band in the case of N-type semiconductors.	The acceptor energy level is close to the conduction band in the case of P-type semiconductors.

Note: In order to solve such theoretical kinds of questions, one must have a clear conceptual understanding of the Semiconductors chapter.