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QPages 417-418: Q4: HC Verma: Concepts of Physics - Volume 2 Semiconductors and Semiconductor Devices Pages 417-418: Q4 Solution: Let and be the numbers of holes and conduction electrons in an…

⚠️ Common Exam Traps & Conceptual Pitfalls

Students often confuse intrinsic semiconductors, where $n_e = n_p$, with extrinsic ones, where doping breaks this symmetry. In extrinsic semiconductors, the majority and minority carrier concentrations are fundamentally different, so the only universally true statement is $n_e \neq n_p$.

Let npn_p and nen_e be the numbers of holes and conduction electrons in an extrinsic semiconductor.

Multiple Choice Options

  • A np>nen_p > n_e
  • B np=nen_p = n_e
  • C np<nen_p < n_e
  • D np≠nen_p \neq n_e

Step-by-Step Verified Solution

**Answer:** (d) n_p � n_e. **Step-by-Step Explanation:** In an extrinsic semiconductor, the numbers of holes and electrons are unequal.

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