Difference between hole and +ve ion?

In summary, the difference between an electron hole and a positive ion is that an electron hole is created when an electron jumps from the valence band to the conduction band in an intrinsic semiconductor, while a positive ion is formed when an atom becomes free due to the electron jump. In an electric field, both electrons and holes can drift to carry current, but while electrons are negatively charged, holes are positively charged. However, it is important to note that the ion itself does not move, only the hole does.
  • #1
rajdeepvit
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0
Can anybody tell me what actually is difference between between electron hole and positive ion.
 
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  • #2
If an atom in an intrinsic semiconductor (SC) is excited thermally so an electron jumps from the valence band to the conduction band, then the electron is free and the atom becomes a positive ion. This is called a hole. If an electric field is applied across the material, free electrons will drift to carry a current. If a free electron created elsewhere in the lattice collides with the hole they recombine into a neutral atom--but there is a hole left where that electron came from. It looks like holes drift too, opposite to the electrons. Because they are charged positively, they also contribute to carrying current. Notice that the ion itself doesn't move, because it is bound in the crystal lattice. It's the hole that moves. That's the difference.
 

Related to Difference between hole and +ve ion?

1. What is the difference between a hole and a positive ion?

A hole is an empty space where an electron is missing in an atom or molecule, while a positive ion is an atom or molecule that has lost one or more electrons, resulting in a positive charge.

2. How do holes and positive ions affect the properties of a material?

Holes and positive ions can both contribute to the electrical conductivity of a material. Holes act as charge carriers, similar to electrons, while positive ions can also move and create a flow of electric current.

3. What causes the formation of holes and positive ions?

Holes are formed when an electron is excited and jumps to a higher energy level, leaving behind an empty space. Positive ions are formed when an atom or molecule loses one or more electrons, often due to interactions with other charged particles or high-energy radiation.

4. Can holes and positive ions exist independently in a material?

No, holes and positive ions are always present together in a material. As electrons move and create holes, positive ions are also formed to balance out the charge.

5. How do holes and positive ions affect the behavior of semiconductors?

Holes and positive ions play a crucial role in the conductivity of semiconductors. In p-type semiconductors, holes are the dominant charge carriers, while in n-type semiconductors, positive ions play a role in creating an electric field that facilitates electron flow. This allows semiconductors to be used in electronic devices such as transistors and solar cells.

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