Question:

Write two points of difference between intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors.

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Doping increases conductivity by many orders of magnitude.
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Solution and Explanation

Concept: Semiconductors are materials whose electrical conductivity lies between conductors and insulators. Their conductivity depends strongly on temperature and doping.

Step 1: Intrinsic Semiconductor
An intrinsic semiconductor is a pure semiconductor without any intentional impurity doping.

Step 2: Extrinsic Semiconductor
An extrinsic semiconductor is formed by adding impurities (doping) to intrinsic semiconductors to increase conductivity.

Step 3: Key Differences
(i) Purity - Intrinsic: Pure material (Si, Ge) - Extrinsic: Impurity added (donor or acceptor atoms) (ii) Charge carriers - Intrinsic: Equal electrons and holes ($n = p$) - Extrinsic: Unequal carriers; majority and minority carriers exist (iii) Conductivity - Intrinsic: Low conductivity - Extrinsic: High conductivity due to doping (iv) Dependence - Intrinsic: Depends mainly on temperature - Extrinsic: Depends on temperature and doping concentration Final Answer: Intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors differ mainly in purity and charge carrier concentration.
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