Photo AI
What are the charge carriers in (i) semiconductors and (ii) metals? - Leaving Cert Physics - Question (f) - 2014
Question (f)
What are the charge carriers in (i) semiconductors and (ii) metals?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:What are the charge carriers in (i) semiconductors and (ii) metals? - Leaving Cert Physics - Question (f) - 2014
Step 1
(i) semiconductors
Answer
In semiconductors, the charge carriers are both electrons and holes. Electrons are the negatively charged carriers that move freely when energy is applied, while holes, which represent the absence of an electron, act as positively charged carriers. At room temperature, intrinsic semiconductors have approximately equal numbers of electrons and holes.
Step 2
(ii) metals
Answer
In metals, the primary charge carriers are electrons. Metals have a high density of free electrons that allow for efficient conduction of electricity. These conduction electrons can move freely throughout the metal lattice, facilitating the transfer of electrical charge.