P-type and N-type semiconductors are two fundamental types of semiconductors essential for building electronic devices like transistors and diodes. They differ based on how they conduct electricity and the type of charge carriers they rely on:

1. P-type Semiconductor:

• Doping: Doped with elements from Group III of the periodic table (like Boron or Indium). These elements have three valence electrons, one less than the four needed to form complete bonds with neighboring silicon atoms in the semiconductor lattice.
• Majority Carriers: Holes are the majority charge carriers. A hole acts like a positive charge carrier because it represents the vacancy left behind by a missing electron in the covalent bond.
• Minority Carriers: Electrons are the minority carriers and their concentration is much lower than holes.

2. N-type Semiconductor:

• Doping: Doped with elements from Group V of the periodic table (like Phosphorus or Antimony). These elements have five valence electrons, one more than the four needed for bonding with silicon atoms.
• Majority Carriers: Electrons are the majority charge carriers. The extra electron from the dopant atom becomes free to move within the semiconductor, conducting electricity.
• Minority Carriers: Holes are the minority carriers present in a much smaller concentration.