Does the concept of hole current hold up in metals?

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SUMMARY

The concept of hole current in metals is debated, particularly regarding its existence and implications. While electron current is the primary focus, the discussion highlights that when an electron vacates its position, it creates a hole. However, in metals like cadmium, the presence of positive Hall coefficients suggests that hole current can be observed under certain conditions. Ultimately, the consensus is that while holes are a theoretical construct, they do not manifest as physical entities in the same way as electron currents do.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electron mobility in conductors
  • Familiarity with Hall effect and Hall coefficients
  • Basic knowledge of semiconductor physics
  • Awareness of metal conductivity properties
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Hall effect in metals and its applications
  • Explore the behavior of charge carriers in semiconductors
  • Investigate the role of positive Hall coefficients in material science
  • Study the differences between electron and hole conduction mechanisms
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Physicists, electrical engineers, and materials scientists interested in the behavior of charge carriers in metals and the implications of hole current in electronic applications.

keerthana
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we generally talk about electron current in metals.but when an electron leaves, it leaves a hole in its place.
does the hole current really exist in metals?please explain the stuff.
 
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keerthana said:
we generally talk about electron current in metals.but when an electron leaves, it leaves a hole in its place.
does the hole current really exist in metals?please explain the stuff.

Sure, you can have positive hall coefficients in metals like cadmium.
http://mysite.du.edu/~etuttle/electron/elect19.htm
 
When current is flowing in a metal, there is not really a hole left behind as electrons are provided by the negative electrode of your source (battery or whatever).
 

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