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ElectricalElectronics
PrevNext

In an npn transistor, _____ are the minority carriers.

A

Free electrons

B

Holes

C

Donor ions

D

Acceptor ions

Correct Answer

тЪЩя╕П TE тАв Technical Concept & PrincipleElectricalElectronics
Option B

Holes

Quick Summary:

In an npn transistor, the majority charge carriers are free electrons because the emitter and collector are n-type doped regions, while the base is p-type. Consequently, holes act as the minority charge carriers within the n-type regions and are the majority carriers only in the p-type base region.

тЪЩя╕ПTETechnical SolutionConcept & Principle
ЁЯТб Explanation

In an npn transistor, the majority charge carriers are free electrons because the emitter and collector are n-type doped regions, while the base is p-type. Consequently, holes act as the minority charge carriers within the n-type regions and are the majority carriers only in the p-type base region.

ЁЯФв Key Formulas

ni2=n├Чpn_i┬▓ = n \times pni2тАЛ=n├Чp тАФ Mass Action Law representing the relationship between carrier concentrations in semiconductors

тЪЩя╕П Working Principle

The transistor structure consists of two n-type regions sandwiching a p-type region. Due to the high doping concentration in the emitter and the base-emitter junction being forward-biased during operation, current flow is primarily governed by electrons injecting from the emitter to the base; however, the intrinsic property of the n-type silicon itself dictates that electrons are the majority carriers and holes are the minority carriers.

ЁЯУМ Key Points
  • тЦ╕

    An npn transistor uses electrons as the primary charge carriers for current conduction.

  • тЦ╕

    Minority carriers in n-type material are always holes, regardless of whether it is part of a diode or transistor.

  • тЦ╕

    Thermal energy generates electron-hole pairs, establishing the minority carrier concentration.

  • тЦ╕

    Minority carrier current is highly temperature-dependent, leading to thermal instability in transistors.

тЬЕ Advantages
  • тЦ╕

    High electron mobility leads to faster switching speeds.

  • тЦ╕

    Commonly used in integrated circuits due to manufacturing efficiency.

тЭМ Disadvantages / Limitations
  • тЦ╕

    Minority carrier current can increase significantly with temperature, potentially causing thermal runaway.

ЁЯЫая╕П Applications / Uses
  • тЦ╕

    Switching circuits

  • тЦ╕

    Amplifier stages

  • тЦ╕

    Logic gates in digital electronics

ЁЯУД Additional Information
  • тЦ╕

    In npn transistors, the minority carriers (holes) in the emitter/collector regions contribute to the leakage current ICBOI_{CBO}ICBOтАЛ.

  • тЦ╕

    Option A is incorrect because free electrons are the majority carriers in the emitter and collector regions.

  • тЦ╕

    Options C and D refer to dopant ions fixed in the crystal lattice, which do not contribute to charge carrier current flow.

ЁЯУК Diagram / Illustration
npn Transistor Carrier Typesn-typep-typen-typeMajority: e-Majority: h+Majority: e-Minority in n-type: Holes (h+)
тЬЕ

B is correct тАФ Holes act as the minority charge carriers in the n-type emitter and collector regions of an npn transistor.

Core Concepts Used
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Semiconductor Physics Charge Carrier Dynamics Transistor Operation
ЁЯТб EXAM TIP

Always remember that in any semiconductor region, if electrons are majority, holes are minority, and vice versa. This rule applies universally to diodes and all BJTs.

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