A6 LT1 Flashcards
Which atoms are the best electrical conductors and why?
Atoms with three or fewer valence electrons are the best conductors.
What are examples of trivalent atoms?
Aluminum, boron, gallium
What does the unique pattern in semiconductor materials form?
Crystal-lattice structure
What is the initial state of semiconductors in terms of conductivity?
Very poor conductors
What is a ‘hole’ in a semiconductor material?
Absence of an electron
What is the ideal number of electrons for an insulating material to have in its valence orbit?
Eight
What is the effect of pentavalent impurity doping?
Creates free electrons
What is the term for semiconductor material with holes acting as positive charge carriers?
P-type semiconductor
What process introduces impurity into a semiconductor crystal?
Doping
What is the alternative way of thinking about holes in a semiconductor?
Positive charges moving opposite to electron flow
How is current flow in the context of hole movement described?
Hole flow or conventional current flow
What is the relationship between the conductivity of a substance and its valence electrons?
Conductivity depends closely on valence electrons.
What is a pentavalent impurity?
An impurity with five valence electrons
How do holes improve the conductivity of semiconductor material?
Attracting external electrons
What type of material has five or more valence electrons?
Insulating
