Question:medium

The depletion layer in the p-n junction region is caused by

Updated On: May 25, 2026
  • drift of holes
  • diffusion of charge carriers
  • migration of impurity ions
  • drift of electrons.
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The question involves understanding the formation of the depletion layer in a p-n junction. A p-n junction is created when a p-type semiconductor is brought into contact with an n-type semiconductor. The key concept here is the movement of charge carriers, which leads to the formation of the depletion region.

  1. In a p-n junction, the p-type side contains an abundance of holes (positive charge carriers), while the n-type side contains an abundance of electrons (negative charge carriers).
  2. When the junction is formed, the charge carriers start moving across the junction due to the concentration gradient. Electrons from the n-side diffuse into the p-side, and holes from the p-side diffuse into the n-side.
  3. As electrons move into the p-type region, they fill the holes and leave behind positive ions in the n-region, while the holes moving into the n-region recombine with electrons, leaving behind negative ions in the p-region.
  4. This movement of charge carriers is primarily due to diffusion, a process where particles move from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration.
  5. The diffusion of charge carriers results in the formation of the depletion region, which is devoid of any free charge carriers as they have recombined. This region also establishes an electric field that opposes further diffusion of charge carriers.

Therefore, the correct answer is diffusion of charge carriers, as it is this diffusion process that results in the formation of the depletion layer in the p-n junction.

  • Drift of holes and drift of electrons refer to movement due to an external electric field, not the spontaneous creation of a depletion layer.
  • Migration of impurity ions is not directly responsible for the depletion region. It is the diffusion of the majority charge carriers (electrons and holes) across the junction that leads to depletion.

Understanding these concepts is crucial for analyzing the behavior of semiconductors and their applications in electronic devices.

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