A perfect crystal of silicon (Figure) is doped with some elements as given in the options. Which of these options show n-type semiconductors?
The answer is the option (i, iii). N-type semiconductor are formed when a crystal is doped with pentavalent impurity elements i.e. elements with 5 electrons in valence shell.
In option a and c, the crystal has been doped with elements of group 15 like P and As.
A pentavalent impurity is an element with five valence electrons, while a pure semiconductor has four. When a pentavalent impurity is added to a pure semiconductor, the impurity atom bonds with four atoms of the semiconductor, leaving the fifth electron free. This extra electron is a negative charge carrier, or electron, that is free to move and conduct electricity.