Question

What other element may be added to silicon to make electrons available for conduction of an electric current?

Answer 1

1. To make electrons available for conduction in silicon, elements from Group 15 of the periodic table can be added. These elements have five valence electrons, which is one more than silicon (which has four). When such an element is added to silicon, the extra electron becomes free to move, thereby increasing the electrical conductivity.
2. The elements commonly used for this purpose are phosphorus (P), arsenic (As) and antimony (Sb).
3. These elements are used for a process called n-type doping, where electrons become the majority charge carriers in the silicon crystal.
4. For example, when phosphorus is added to silicon, it introduces free electrons. This converts silicon into an n-type semiconductor, making it suitable for use in electronic devices such as diodes and transistors.