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Chapter 1: Problem 12

Consult your reference library and find another explanation of hole versus electron flow. Using both descriptions, describe in your own words the process of hole conduction.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Hole conduction refers to the movement of a positive charge in the opposite direction of the electron in a semiconductor. Even though electrons in reality move from the negative terminal towards the positive terminal of a battery, the theory of hole flow lets us imagine that positive charges (holes) move in the opposite direction. Thus, hole conduction and electron flow essentially describe the same phenomenon from different perspectives.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Concept of Hole Conduction

As per the theory of semiconductors, an electron moving from a lower energy level in an atom to a higher energy level leaves a 'hole' behind. This hole acts like a positive charge, moving in the direction opposite to the electron's. This is known as hole conduction.
02

Explain the Electron Flow Theory

According to conventional current or electron flow theory, current flows from the positive terminal of a battery, through a circuit, to the negative terminal. This idea makes use of the fact that electrons carry a negative charge. However, it's important to remember that the physical movement of electrons is, in reality, from the negative to the positive terminal.
03

Reconcile Both Descriptions

From the description above, it's clear that 'hole flow' and 'electron flow' are two ways of viewing the same phenomenon. In semiconductors, both the electrons and the holes play a role in conductivity. An electron moving towards the positive terminal of a battery is equivalent to a hole moving in the opposite direction. If we imagine the hole as a positive charge, then it all makes sense – in both cases, we have a flow from a positive charge to a negative charge.

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