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QPages 417-418: Q2: HC Verma: Concepts of Physics - Volume 2 Semiconductors and Semiconductor Devices Pages 417-418: Q2 Solution: An electric field is applied to a semiconductor. Let the number …

⚠️ Common Exam Traps & Conceptual Pitfalls

Students often mistake the increase in thermal (random) speed of carriers for an increase in drift speed, overlooking that drift velocity $v=\mu E$ depends on mobility $\mu$, which decreases with temperature due to enhanced phonon scattering. Hence, while carrier concentration $n$ rises with temperature, $v$ typically falls, not rises.

An electric field is applied to a semiconductor. Let the number of charge carries be n and the average drift speed by v. If the temperature is increased,

Multiple Choice Options

  • A both n and v will increase
  • B n will increase but v will decrease
  • C v will increase but n will decrease
  • D both n and v will decrease.

Step-by-Step Verified Solution

**Answer:** (a) both n and v will increase. **Step-by-Step Explanation:** Increasing temperature increases the number of charge carriers (n) and their drift speed (v) initially.

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