Chapter 12, Problem 32QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The movement of electronsis to be described in a solar battery that uses p-type and n-type semiconductors, during the exposure of solar light.

Concept introduction:

Semiconductors are solids that have a conductivity that lies between that of conductors and insulators.

The gap between theirconduction bands and valence bands is small, so electrons may jump from the valence band to the conduction band.

The addition of very small quantity of an element with one more or one fewer valence electrons than the natural semiconductor is called doping.

The addition of very small quantity of an element that has extra electrons than the natural semiconductor, the electron increases its conductivity and the semiconductor is called n-type semiconductor.

The addition of very small quantity of an element which has fewer valence electrons than the natural semiconductor, creating a hole in semiconductor. These holes increaseits conductivity and the semiconductor is called p-type semiconductor.