Question

What is the charge on the charge carrier for semiconductors?

Answer 1

I have a question where I must use the equation I=vAnq to work out n.

Everything but n and q are given, I need q, I assume the word semicondictor in the question is giving me q

Answer 2

Semiconductors can have either positive or negative charge carriers depending on its type, n - type or p- type. In your case it won't give you any information about quantity of charges.

Answer 3

There are two types of semi-conductor. N-type and P-type. An N-type allows the movement of electrons from its substrate without leaving a valence bond empty (there is a surfeit of electrons). So it is the electrons which are the charge carriers. P-type semiconductors allow the movement of electrons into its atom to complete the covalent bond (such as Gallium). This leaves a 'hole' in the valence structure which is a positive ion. So the charge carriers are positive ions or 'holes'. You could argue that the positive valency is due to the movement of an electron to complete the bonds in an atom. However electronic engineers refer to 'hole carriers'. As a physicist I use that term too so we know we are discussing P-type semiconductors. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

So negative and positive depending on the type