Holes as Charge CarriersEasyQuestion 20207
Question
A hole in a semiconductor is:
- AA proton
- BA vacancy (absence of electron) in the valence band that behaves as a positive charge carrierCorrect
- CA positive ion
- DA defect in the crystal
Correct answer
A vacancy (absence of electron) in the valence band that behaves as a positive charge carrier
Explanation
When an electron leaves the valence band, it leaves a hole — an electron vacancy. Adjacent electrons can move into the hole, making the hole appear to move in the opposite direction. Holes have an effective positive charge of +e.