Rankers Physics
Topic: Semiconductor Physics
Subtopic: Properties of Semiconductors

Which statement is correct ?
N-type germanium is negatively charged and P-type germanium is positively charged
Both N-type and P-type germanium are neutral
N-type germanium is positively charged and P-type germanium is negatively charged
Both N-type and P-type germanium are negatively charged

Solution:

Both N-type and P-type germanium are electrically neutral because, while they have an imbalance of charge carriers (electrons or holes), the overall number of positive and negative charges remains equal.

- **N-type**: Donor atoms add extra electrons (negatively charged carriers), but the atoms themselves become positively charged ions. This ensures charge neutrality.

- **P-type**: Acceptor atoms create holes (positively charged carriers) by accepting electrons, but the atoms become negatively charged ions. This balances the charge.

In both cases, the total positive and negative charges cancel each other out, keeping the material electrically neutral.

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