In a semiconductor, the energy levels can be understood as follows:
-
Ec​: Energy of the conduction band.
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Ev​: Energy of the valence band.
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ED​: Donor energy level in a n-type semiconductor.
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Eg​: Band gap of the semiconductor.
For a n-type semiconductor:
- The donor level
ED​ is slightly below the conduction band
Ec​, meaning electrons from the donor energy levels can easily move to the conduction band with minimal energy input.
- The band gap
Eg​ is the energy difference between the conduction band and the valence band (
Ec​−Ev​).
In n-type semiconductors, the donor energy level
ED​ is closer to the conduction band than to the valence band, so it follows that:
ED​>Ev​Thus, the correct answer is:
C)ED​>Ev​​ Quick Tip: In an n-type semiconductor, the donor energy level is just below the conduction band. This allows electrons from the donor level to easily jump into the conduction band, thereby enhancing conductivity.