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GATE 2023 EC – Question 17

Electronic Devices · Energy Bands and Carrier Concentration · 1 mark · Multiple choice

For an intrinsic semiconductor at temperature $T=0\ K$, which of the following statement is true?

  1. All energy states in the valence band are filled with electrons and all energy states in the conduction band are empty of electrons.
  2. All energy states in the valence band are empty of electrons and all energy states in the conduction band are filled with electrons.
  3. All energy states in the valence and conduction band are filled with holes.
  4. All energy states in the valence and conduction band are filled with electrons.

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (A) All energy states in the valence band are filled with electrons and all energy states in the conduction band are empty of electrons.

Explanation

At absolute zero no carriers are thermally excited: the valence band is completely full and the conduction band is completely empty.