What is a hole and how does it relate to electricity?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter I_am_learning
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Hole
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of a "hole" in semiconductor physics, defined as the absence of an electron. Participants clarify that holes behave like positive charges, influencing current flow and Hall voltage measurements. The Hall effect demonstrates that the movement of holes and electrons can lead to positive or negative Hall voltages depending on their respective velocities and the magnetic field direction. The conversation emphasizes the complexity of modeling holes, particularly in P-type materials, and the necessity of understanding their role in current flow and charge carrier dynamics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of semiconductor physics, particularly P-type and N-type materials.
  • Familiarity with the Hall effect and its implications in electrical engineering.
  • Knowledge of charge carriers, including electrons and holes, and their behavior in electric fields.
  • Basic grasp of effective mass concepts in solid-state physics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Hall effect in detail, focusing on its application in P-type and N-type semiconductors.
  • Explore the concept of effective mass in semiconductors and its impact on charge carrier mobility.
  • Investigate the role of defects in semiconductors and how they create holes and affect conductivity.
  • Learn about the mathematical modeling of charge carriers and their interactions in solid-state physics.
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, physicists, and students studying semiconductor technology, particularly those interested in the behavior of charge carriers and the implications of the Hall effect in materials science.

  • #61
I would just like to point out the the Left Hand Rule is predicated upon the use of the direction of conventional current. It is the motor rule and will give the correct direction for force or motion only when the direction of the second finger is aligned with the direction of conventional current.

The Right Hand Rule is the generator rule and gives correct (voltage) polarity, regardless of charge carriers because it defines a voltage, not a current.

When considering the vector cross products the right hand rule should be used in any case.
 

Similar threads

High School Can we see 2 black holes orbiting each other?
  • · Replies 57 ·
2
Replies
57
Views
4K
Graduate Black hole as topological insulator
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
High School Analogue Black Holes: Disposal?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Graduate Carrier relaxation within a quantum well
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
High School Is there a white hole inside every black hole?
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
876
High School Something strange about doping semiconductors
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad You can't actually enter a blackhole?
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
3K
High School Confusion regarding black hole spin
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
4K
High School How do Black Holes Grow? A Far-Away Observer's Perspective
  • · Replies 67 ·
3
Replies
67
Views
6K
High School Is crossing a black hole's event horizon possible?
  • · Replies 46 ·
2
Replies
46
Views
8K