MCQEasyJEE 2023Semiconductors Basics

JEE Physics 2023 Question with Solution

Statement I: When a Si sample is doped with Boron, it becomes P type and when doped by Arsenic it becomes N-type semi conductor such that P-type has excess holes and N-type has excess electrons.

Statement II: When such P-type and N-type semi-conductors, are fused to make a junction, a current will automatically flow which can be detected with an externally connected ammeter.

In the light of above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

  • A

    Both Statement I and statement II are incorrect

  • B

    Statement I is incorrect but statement II is correct.

  • C

    Both Statement I and statement II are correct

  • D

    Statement I is correct but statement II is incorrect

Answer

Correct answer:D

Step-by-step solution

Standard Method

Given: Statement I says that doping Si with Boron gives P-type semiconductor and doping with Arsenic gives N-type semiconductor, with excess holes and excess electrons respectively.

Find: Which option correctly evaluates Statement I and Statement II.

From the solution text, Statement I is correct.

When a P-N junction is formed, an electric field is generated from N-side to P-side. Because of this, a barrier potential arises. Due to the barrier potential, majority charge carriers cannot flow through the junction on their own, so the current is zero unless a forward bias voltage is applied.

Therefore, Statement II is incorrect.

The correct option is D.

Conceptual Explanation

Given: A P-type semiconductor has excess holes and an N-type semiconductor has excess electrons.

Find: Whether current flows automatically when they are fused to form a junction.

In P-type semiconductor, acceptor impurity such as Boron creates holes as majority carriers. In N-type semiconductor, donor impurity such as Arsenic creates electrons as majority carriers. So Statement I is correct.

After joining P-type and N-type semiconductors, diffusion initially occurs and a depletion region is formed. This creates an internal electric field and a barrier potential. Once equilibrium is established, there is no net current through the junction without external bias.

So an ammeter connected externally will not detect an automatic sustained current unless a forward bias voltage is applied.

Hence, Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect, so the correct option is D.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming that excess electrons and holes automatically produce a measurable external current after junction formation. This is wrong because the depletion region and barrier potential stop net majority carrier flow at equilibrium. Instead, remember that a sustained current requires external bias.

  • Confusing initial diffusion during junction formation with steady current in an external circuit. This is wrong because the junction quickly reaches equilibrium and net current becomes zero. Instead, distinguish transient charge redistribution from continuous circuit current.

  • Mixing up donor and acceptor dopants. This is wrong because Boron is an acceptor that produces P-type material, while Arsenic is a donor that produces N-type material. Instead, classify dopants by whether they accept or donate electrons.

Practice more Semiconductors Basics questions

Get unlimited AI-adaptive practice, mastery tracking, and an AI tutor that explains every step — free to start.

Related questions