Chapter 12, Problem 12.84SP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for higher electrical conductivity of germanium doped with phosphorus than pure germanium should be discussed.

Concept introduction:

According to band theory, solids are classified as conductors, semiconductors and insulators.

As per band theory, bands are a continuum of energy levels. The bands are of two types: valence band and conduction band.

The band that holds valence electrons is valence band and the band that is slightly higher in energy than valence band is conduction band. On the basis of band theory, a partly filled band shows conduction and fully filled band doesn’t show conduction.