In pure silicon, which pentavalent impurity element is commonly introduced as a donor atom to produce an n-type semiconductor?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. phosphorus

  1. Step 1: N-type semiconductors require pentavalent donor dopants (Group 15 elements with 5 valence electrons). Step 2. Phosphorus, arsenic, and antimony have 5 valence electrons. The fifth electron is easily excited into the conduction band. Step 3. Boron, aluminum, and gallium are trivalent (Group 13) and create p-type semiconductors. Answer: phosphorus. Why not the others: Boron, aluminum, and gallium are trivalent acceptor dopants used for p-type semiconductors.

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