Nt1310 Section 1

1921 Words8 Pages
SECTION 1-1 REVIEW 1. Describe an atom. 2. What is an electron? 3. What is a valence electron? 4. What is a free electron? 5. How are ions formed? ANSWERS:- 1. An atom is the smallest particle of an element that retains the characteristics of that element. 2. The basic particles of negative charge are called electrons. 3. The outermost shell is known as the valence shell and electrons in this shell are called valence electrons. 4. The escaped valence electron is called a free electron. 5. When a neutral atom loses its valence electron it becomes a positive ion and when a neutral atom gains valance electron it becomes a negative ion. SECTION 1-2 REVIEW 1. What is the basic difference between conductors and…show more content…
What is the majority carrier in a p-type semiconductor? 7. By what process are the majority carriers produced? 8. By what process are the minority carriers produced? 9. What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors? ANSWERS:- 1. The conductivity of silicon and germanium can be drastically increased by the controlled addition of impurities to the intrinsic (pure) semi conductive material. This process is called doping. 2. Pentavalent are atoms with five valence electrons such as arsenic (As), phosphorus (P), bismuth (Bi), and antimony (Sb). It is often called a donor atom. Trivalent are atoms with three valence electrons such as boron (B), indium (In), and gallium (Ga). It is often referred to as an acceptor atom. 3. N-type semi conductor is made by doping pentavalent elements. 4. P-type semi conductor is made by doping trivalent elements. 5. Electrons. 6. Holes. 7. Doping. 8. They are created when electron-hole pairs are thermally generated. 9. Intrinsic semiconductor is an un-doped semiconductor; in which there are no impurities added where as extrinsic semiconductor is a doped semiconductor, which has impurities in it. SECTION 1-6…show more content…
Normally, the reverse current is so small that it can be neglected. However, if the external reverse-bias voltage is increased to a value called the breakdown voltage, the reverse current will drastically increase. This is what happens. The high reverse-bias voltage imparts energy to the free minority electrons so that as they speed through the p region, they collide with atoms with enough energy to knock valence electrons out of orbit and into the conduction band. The newly created conduction electrons are also high in energy and repeat the process. If one electron knocks only two others out of their valence orbit during its travel through the p region. The numbers quickly multiply. As these high-energy electrons go through the depletion region, they have enough energy to go through the n region as conduction electrons, rather than combining with holes. The multiplication of conduction electrons just discussed is known as avalanche and results in a very high reverse current that can damage the diode because of excessive heat

More about Nt1310 Section 1

Open Document