Lesson eLearning

Silicon is doped with arsenic atoms. The resulting semiconductor is classified as:

medium MCQ 1 mark Class 12 · Physics · Semiconductor Electronics Materials Devices and Simple Circuits
  1. a) Intrinsic semiconductor
  2. b) Extrinsic non‑degenerate semiconductor
  3. c) Extrinsic degenerate semiconductor
  4. d) Insulator
Answer
c) Extrinsic degenerate semiconductor

The correct answer is c) Extrinsic degenerate semiconductor — Select the option that matches this description.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Identify that arsenic provides donor atoms, so the material is n‑type.
  2. Compare the doping concentration with the typical threshold () for degenerate behaviour.
  3. Since exceeds this threshold, the semiconductor is heavily doped and exhibits metallic‑like conductivity, i.e., a degenerate extrinsic semiconductor.
  4. Select the option that matches this description.
Common mistake: Confusing heavily doped (degenerate) with ordinary extrinsic semiconductor

Concept tested: Classification of doped silicon

Published · How this solution was prepared and checked

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