To determine the number of donor atoms per cubic meter in a semiconductor with a given conductivity, we can use the relationship between conductivity, charge carrier concentration, and mobility. The formula we will use is:
Conductivity Formula
The conductivity (\( \sigma \)) of a semiconductor can be expressed as:
\( \sigma = n \cdot q \cdot \mu \)
Where:
- \( \sigma \) = conductivity (in mho/m)
- n = charge carrier concentration (in m-3)
- q = charge of an electron (in coulombs)
- \( \mu \) = mobility of the charge carriers (in m2/V·s)
Given Values
From your question, we have:
- Conductivity (\( \sigma \)) = 500 mho/m
- Mobility (\( \mu \)) = 0.4 m2/V·s
- Charge of an electron (\( q \)) = \( 1.6 \times 10^{-19} \) C
Calculating Charge Carrier Concentration
We can rearrange the conductivity formula to solve for \( n \):
\( n = \frac{\sigma}{q \cdot \mu} \)
Now, substituting the known values into the equation:
\( n = \frac{500}{(1.6 \times 10^{-19}) \cdot (0.4)} \)
Performing the Calculation
First, calculate the denominator:
\( (1.6 \times 10^{-19}) \cdot (0.4) = 6.4 \times 10^{-20} \) C·m2/V·s
Now, substitute this back into the equation for \( n \):
\( n = \frac{500}{6.4 \times 10^{-20}} \)
Calculating this gives:
\( n \approx 7.8125 \times 10^{21} \) m-3
Conclusion
Thus, the number of donor atoms per cubic meter in the semiconductor is approximately \( 7.81 \times 10^{21} \) m-3. This high concentration of donor atoms indicates a heavily doped n-type semiconductor, which is typical for materials like germanium when used in electronic applications.