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Think about your smartphone, your laptop, even solar panels--all of these familiar devices are made possible by semiconductors. They are the backbone of modern electronics, and therefore, this Chapter 14 -Semiconductor Electronics: Materials, Devices and Simple Circuits is one of the most important topics in NCERT Class 12 Physics in board exams and also in competitive exams like JEE and NEET.
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The NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Physics Chapter 14 have clear and step-by-step explanations prepared by expert faculty so that a student can easily grasp concepts such as semiconductor materials, p-n junctions, diodes, rectifiers and transistors. These solutions not only explain the exercises in textbooks but also reinforce the problem-solving skills necessary to achieve higher grades. By integrating NCERT solutions with practice materials, students will be able to effectively revise their subject, develop a solid foundation of concepts, and achieve greater exam success in boards and entrance exams.
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The Semiconductor Electronics class 12 NCERT solutions offer detailed answers to each of the textbook questions so that complicated concepts become easy to understand. These are the solutions formatted according to the current CBSE syllabus and are very useful during revisions, examinations at the board level and even competitive applications like JEE/NEET examinations. They can also print the PDF to study offline and get last-minute reading practice.Download PDF
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Semiconductor Electronics class 12 NCERT exercise solutions help students practice numerical problems and theoretical concepts with clarity. These solutions are step-by-step, accurate, and aligned with the NCERT textbook, making them highly useful for board exams and competitive exam preparation.
Q. 14.1 In an n-type silicon, which of the following statement is true:
(a) Electrons are the majority carriers and trivalent atoms are the dopants.
(b) Electrons are minority carriers and pentavalent atoms are the dopants.
(c) Holes are minority carriers and pentavalent atoms are the dopants.
(d) Holes are majority carriers and trivalent atoms are the dopants.
Answer:
An n-type semiconductor has electrons as majority carriers and holes as minority carriers. It is formed when we dope a pentavalent impurity into a Silicon atom. Some pentavalent dopants are phosphorus, arsenic, and bismuth.
Hence, the correct option is C.
Q. 14.2 Which of the statements given in Exercise 14.1 is true for p-type semiconductors.
(a) Electrons are the majority carriers and trivalent atoms are the dopants.
(b) Electrons are minority carriers and pentavalent atoms are the dopants.
(c) Holes are minority carriers and pentavalent atoms are the dopants.
(d) Holes are majority carriers and trivalent atoms are the dopants
Answer:
In a p-type semiconductor, holes are the majority carrier and electrons are the minority carrier. It is formed when a trivalent atom-like aluminium is doped in a silicon atom. Hence correct option for p-type conductor would be (d).
(a) $(E_{g})_{Si} < (E_{g})_{Ge}< (E_{g})_{C}$
(b) $(E_{g})_{C} < (E_{g})_{Ge}> (E_{g})_{Si}$
(c) $(E_{g})_{C} > (E_{g})_{Si}> (E_{g})_{Ge}$
(d) $(E_{g})_{C} = (E_{g})_{Si}= (E_{g})_{Ge}$
Answer:
Since carbon is a non-metal, its energy band gap would be the highest and the energy band gap of Ge would be the least, as it is a metalloid.
$(E_{g})_{C} > (E_{g})_{Si}> (E_{g})_{Ge}$
Hence correct option would be (c)
Q14.4 In an unbiased p-n junction, holes diffuse from the p-region to n-region because
(a) free electrons in the n-region attract them,
(b) they move across the junction by the potential difference.
(c) hole concentration in the p-region is higher compared to the n-region.
d) All the above
Answer:
Charge flows from higher concentration to the lower concentration in a junction. In this case, holes are diffusing from the p-region to n-region and hence the concentration of hole is greater in the p-region.
and hence the correct option would be (c)
Q. 14.5 When a forward bias is applied to a p-n junction, it
(a) raises the potential barrier
(b) reduces the majority carrier current to zero.
(c) lowers the potential barrier.
(d) none of the above.
Answer:
When a p-n junction is forward biased, the negative voltage repels the electrons toward the junction and gives them the energy to cross the junction and combine with the holes which are also being pushed by a positive voltage. This leads to a reduction in the depletion layer, which means a reduction in the potential barrier across the junction.
Hence correct option would be (c)
Answer:
As we know :
output frequency for half-wave rectifier = input frequency, and hence output frequency in half-wave rectifier will be 50Hz.
also, output frequency for full-wave rectifier = 2*(input frequency) and Hence output frequency in full-wave rectifier will be 2*50 = 100 Hz.
Class 12 Physics Chapter 14 Solutions: Semiconductor Electronics additional questions give students extra practice on concepts like p-n junctions, diodes, transistors, and logic gates. These questions go beyond the NCERT exercise, helping in deeper understanding and exam-focused preparation for boards as well as JEE/NEET.
Answer:
Given
The energy band gap of the photodiode is 2.8eV.
wavelength = $\lambda$ = 6000nm = $6000*10^{-9}$
The energy of signal will be $\frac{hc}{\lambda }$
where c is speed of light(300000000m/s) , h is planks constant ( = $6.626 * 10^{-34}Js$ )
putting the corresponding value
The energy of signal = $\frac{(6.626 * 10^{-34} * 3*10^8)}{6000*10^{-9}}$
= $3.313*10^{-20}J$
= $0.207eV (since 1.6*10^{-20}= 1eV)$
The energy of the signal is 0.207eV which is less than 2.8eV ( the energy and gap of photodiode). Hence signal can not be detected by the photodiode.
Answer:
Given:
number of Silicon atoms per $m^{3}$ = $5\times 10^{28}.$
number of Arsenic atoms per $m^{3}$ = $5\times 10^{22}.$
number of Indium atoms per $m^{3}$ = $5\times 10^{20}$
number of thermally generated electrons $n_{i}=1.5\times 10^{16}\; m^{-3}.$
Now,
Number of electrons
$n_e =$ $5 * 10 ^{22}-1.5*10^{16}$ = $4.99*10^{22}(approx)$
number of holes is $n_h$
in thermal equilibrium
$n_h*n_e=n_i^2$
$n_h=n_i^2/n_e$
$n_h= (1.5*10^{16})^2/4.99*10^{22}$
$n_h= 4.51 * 10^9$
Now, since the number of electrons is higher than number of holes, it is an n-type semiconductor.
$n_{i}=n_{0}\; exp\left [ -\frac{E_{g}}{2K_{B}T} \right ]$
Where, $n_{0}$ is constant.
Answer:
Energy gap of given intrinsic semiconductor = E g = 1.2eV
temperature dependence of intrinsic carrier concentration $n_{i}$ is given by
$n_{i}=n_{0}\; exp\left [ -\frac{E_{g}}{2K_{B}T} \right ]$
Where is constant, $K_B$ is Boltzmann constant = $8.862 * 10^{-5}eV/K$ ,
T is temperature
Initial temperature = T1 = 300K
The intrinsic carrier concentration at this temperature :
$n_{i1} = n_0exp[\frac{-E_g}{2K_B*300}]$
Final temperature = T2 = 600K
The intrinsic carrier concentration at this temperature :
$n_{i2} = n_0exp[\frac{-E_g}{2K_B*600}]$
The ratio between the conductivities at 300K and at 600K is equal to the ratio of their intrinsic carrier concentration at these temperatures
$\frac{n_{i2}}{n_{i2}} = \frac{n_0exp[\frac{-E_g}{2K_B*600}]}{n_0exp[\frac{-E_g}{2K_B*300}]}$
$= exp\frac{E_g}{2K_B}[\frac{1}{300}-\frac{1}{600}]=exp[\frac{1.2}{2*8.62*10^{-5}}* \frac{2-1}{600}]$
$= exp[11.6] = 1.09 * 10^{5}$
Therefore, the ratio between the conductivities is $1.09 * 10^{5}$.
Q.4 In a p-n junction diode, the current I can be expressed as
$I=I_{0}\; [exp \frac{eV}{K_{B}T}-1 ]$
What will be the forward current at a forward voltage of $0.6\; V\; ?$
Answer:
As we have
$I=I_{0}\; [exp \frac{eV}{K_{B}T}-1 ]$
Here, $I_{0}=5\times 10^{-12}A$ , $T=300\; K,$ and , $k_{B}$ = Boltzmann constant = $(8.6\times 10^{-5}eV/K)$ $=(1.376*10^{-23}J/K)$
When the forward voltage is 0.6V:
$I=5*10^{-12}\;[ exp \frac{1.6*10^{-19}*0.6}{1.376*10^{-23}*300}-1 ]=0.0625A$
Hence forward current is 0.0625A
Q.5 In a p-n junction diode, the current I can be expressed as
$I=I_{0}\; [exp \frac{eV}{K_{B}T}-1 ]$
What will be the increase in the current if the voltage across the diode is increased to $0.7 \; V?$
Answer:
As we have
$I=I_{0}\; [exp \frac{eV}{K_{B}T}-1 ]$
Here, $I_{0}=5\times 10^{-12}A$ , $T=300\; K,$ and , $k_{B}$ = Boltzmann constant = $(8.6\times 10^{-5}eV/K)$ $=(1.376*10^{-23}J/K)$
When the forward voltage is 0.7V:
$I=5*10^{-12}\;[ exp \frac{1.6*10^{-19}*0.7}{1.376*10^{-23}*300}-1 ]=3.029A$
When the forward voltage is 0.6V:
$I=5*10^{-12}\;[ exp \frac{1.6*10^{-19}*0.6}{1.376*10^{-23}*300}-1 ]=0.0625A$
Hence the increase in the forward current is
$I(whenv=0.7) - I(whenv=.6)$ $= 3.029- 0.0625 = 2.967A$
Q.6 In a p-n junction diode, the current I can be expressed as
$I=I_{0}\; [exp \frac{eV}{K_{B}T}-1 ]$
What is the dynamic resistance?
Answer:
Dynamic Resistance = $\frac{voltage-change}{ current-change}$
Resistance change = 0.7 - 0.6 = 0.1
Current change = 2.967(calculated in prev question)
Therefore
, $Dynamic Resistance = \frac{0.1}{2.967} = 0.0337\Omega$
Q.7 In a p-n junction diode, the current I can be expressed as
$I=I_{0}\; [exp \frac{eV}{K_{B}T}-1 ]$
What will be the current if the reverse bias voltage changes from 1 V to 2 V?
Answer:
As we have
$I=I_{0}\; [exp \frac{eV}{K_{B}T}-1 ]$
Here, $I_{0}=5\times 10^{-12}A$ , $T=300\; K,$ and , $k_{B}$ = Boltzmann constant = $(8.6\times 10^{-5}eV/K)$ $=(1.376*10^{-23}J/K)$
When reverse voltage is 1V, V= -1
$I=5*10^{-12}\;[ exp \frac{1.6*10^{-19}*(-1)}{1.376*10^{-23}*300}-1 ]\approx5\times10^{-12}$
When the reverse voltage is -2V:
$I=5*10^{-12}\;[ exp \frac{1.6*10^{-19}*(-2)}{1.376*10^{-23}*300}-1 ]\approx5\times10^{-12}$
In both case current is very small and approximately equal to the reverse saturation current, hence their difference is negligible which causes dynamic resistance of infinity.
Q.8(a) You are given the two circuits as shown in Fig. Show that circuit acts as OR gate while the circuit
Answer:
Here, THE Input = A and B
Output = Y
The left part of the figure acts as a NOR and the right part acts as NOT Gate.
The output of NOR gate = $\overline{A+B}$
The output of the NOR gate would be the input of NOT Gate and hence
$\mathrm{Y}=\overline{\overline{A+B}}=\mathrm{A}+\mathrm{B}$
Hence the figure functions like an OR Gate.
Or compare the truth table by giving different inputs and observing the output
INPUTS | OUTPUT |
---|---|
A B | Y |
0 0 | 0 |
0 1 | 1 |
1 0 | 1 |
1 1 | 1 |
Q. 8(b) You are given the two circuits as shown in Fig. Show that circuit acts as AND gate.
Answer:
The output of NOT gate ( left part of the circuit) is the input of the NOR gate
Hence the output of total circuit Y = $\over(\overline A + \overline B)$
= $\overline{\overline A}.\overline{\overline B}$ $\overline{A+B}=\overline A. \overline B$
= $A*B$
Hence the circuit functions as AND gate.
Or give the inputs 00,01,10,11 and observe the truth table
INPUTS | OUTPUT |
---|---|
A B | Y |
0 0 | 0 |
0 1 | 0 |
1 0 | 0 |
1 1 | 1 |
The truth table is the same as that of AND gate
Q.9 Write the truth table for a NAND gate connected as given in the figure.
Hence identify the exact logic operation carried out by this circuit.
Answer:
Here, A is boththe input of the NAND gate and hence Output Y will be
$Y = \overline {A*A}$
$Y = \overline {A} + \overline A$
$Y = \overline {A}$
Hence circuit functions as a NOT gate.
The truth table for the given figure:
Input | Output |
A | Y |
0 | 1 |
1 | 0 |
Answer:
a)
A and B are the inputs of a NAND gate and the output of this gate is the input of another NAND gate, so,
Y = $\over(\overline {A.B})(\overline {A.B})$
Y= $\over(\overline {A.B})$ $+$ $\over(\overline {A.B})$
Y= $AB$
Hence this circuit functions as AND gate.
b)
A is input to the NAND gate output of whose output goes to the rightmost NAND gate. Also, B is input to the NAND gate whose output goes to the rightmost NAND gate.
Y = $\over \overline A .\overline B$
Y = $\over\overline A .$ + $\over\overline B.$
Y = A + B
Hence, the circuit functions as an OR gate.
Alternative method
fig. a
Construct the truth table by giving various inputs and observing the output
INPUT | INTERMEDIATE OUTPUT | OUTPUT |
00 | 1 | 0 |
01 | 1 | 0 |
10 | 1 | 0 |
11 | 0 | 1 |
The above truth table is the same as that of an AND gate
fig. b
INPUTS | OUTPUT |
00 | 0 |
01 | 1 |
10 | 1 |
11 | 1 |
The above truth table is the same as that of an OR gate
Answer:
A and B are the input od a NOR gate and Output of this NOR gate is the Input of Another NOR gate whose Output is Y. Hence,
Y = $\over(\overline{A+B} + \overline{A+B})$
Y = $\over\overline {A+B}$ . $\over\overline {A+B}$
Y = A + B
Hence Circuit behaves as OR gate.
Truth table
INPUTS | OUTPUT |
00 | 0 |
01 | 1 |
10 | 1 |
11 | 1 |
Answer:
a)
A is the two inputs of the NOR gate and hence, Output Y is:
Y = $\overline {A+A}$
Y = $\overline {A}$
Hence circuit functions as a NOT gate.
TRUTH TABLE:
INPUT | OUTPUT |
0 | 1 |
1 | 0 |
b) A is the two inputs of a NOR gate whose output(which is $\overline {A}$ ) is the one input of another NOR gate. B is the two input of NOR gate whose output (which is $\overline {B}$ ) is the input of another NOR gate. Hence,
Y = $\over\overline {A} + \overline {B}$
Y = $\over\overline {A}$ . $\over\overline {B}$
Y = A.B
Hence it functions as AND gate.
TRUTH TABLE:
INPUTS | OUTPUT |
00 | 0 |
01 | 0 |
10 | 0 |
11 | 1 |
Class 12 Physics NCERT Chapter 14 HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) Questions challenge students to apply semiconductor concepts like diode characteristics, transistor action, rectifiers, and logic circuits in tricky problem-solving. These questions enhance critical thinking and analytical skills, making students better prepared for competitive exams and advanced applications.
Q1:
For an amplifier (NPN), VBC = 0, $\beta=50$, IC = 2.475 mA. Then the value of IB =?
Answer:
As we learn
Relation between emitter current, Base current, and collector current -
$
I_E=I_B+I_C
$
- wherein
$I_E=$ Emitter Current
$I_B=$ Base Current
$I_C=$ Collector Current
$
I_B=\frac{I_C}{\beta}=\frac{2.475}{50}=49.5 \mathrm{~mA}
$
Q2:
A Si diode has a saturation current of 10-7 A. Calculate the junction current for a forward bias of 0.7 V and 300 K (y = 2 for Si and V = 26 mV)
Answer:
As we learn,
Relation between current I & Voltage V -
$I=I_0\left(e^{\frac{c v}{K T}}-1\right)$
- wherein
K = Boltzmann constant
I0 = reverse saturation current
In forward bias
$e^{\frac{r v}{K T}}>>1$
Then, the forward biasing current is
$I=I_0 \cdot e^{\frac{c v}{K T}}$
$I=I_0\left(e^{\frac{\mathrm{cv}}{K T}}-1\right)=I_0\left(e^{\frac{v}{y+V_T}}-1\right)=10^{-7}\left(\frac{0.7}{2 \times 26}-1\right)=70 \mathrm{~mA}$
Q3:
Find the current through the circuit for the Si diode.
Given that -
Knee voltage for Ge is 0.3 V
Knee voltage for Si is 0.7 V
Answer:
Knee voltage of P-N junction -
It is defined as the forward voltage at which the current through the junction starts rising rapidly with an increase in voltage.
Knee voltage for Ge is 0.3 V
Knee voltage for Si is 0.7 V
$I=\frac{3.4-0.7}{600}=\frac{2.7}{600}=4.5 \mathrm{~mA}$
Q4:
The truth table for the above logic circuit is the same as that of :
Answer:
As we learn
NOR Gate -
NOT + OR Gate
- wherein
$Y=\overline{A+B}$
A and B are input
Y is output
The output (y) of two input (A, B) NOR gates is :
$Y=\overline{A+B}$
Q5:
For the circuit shown current through 1.5K$\Omega$ is:
Answer:
As we learn
Zener diode can operate continuously without being damaged in the region of reverse bias
- wherein
1) It acts as a voltage regulator
2) In forward biasing it acts as an ordinary diode.
$I_L=\frac{V_Z}{1.5 \mathrm{~K}}=\frac{6}{1.5 \times 10^3}=4 \mathrm{~mA}$
Class 12 Physics NCERT Chapter 14 Semiconductor Electronics introduces the working principles of semiconductors, diodes, transistors, rectifiers, and logic gates that form the backbone of modern electronics. Understanding these topics helps students connect theory with real-world applications in devices like mobiles, LEDs, and computers.
Why do some materials light up your circuits while others block the buzz? Metals conduct electricity well. Conductors let current pass easily. Semiconductors—like silicon—are in-between, and insulators stop the flow completely.
Pure semiconductors like silicon have equal electrons and holes. They don’t conduct much—until heat gets them moving!
A magical meeting of p-type and n-type. It only lets current flow one way—thanks to the mysterious depletion region!
A p-n junction in action. It’s a one-way gate for current—perfect for letting power flow forward and blocking the backflow.
Current gain in a transistor: $\beta=\frac{I_C}{I_B}$
$
\left.I_E=I_B+I_C \text { (Emitter current }=\text { Base }+ \text { Collector }\right)
$
For JEE and NEET, studying only the Class 12 physics NCERT Chapter 4 from NCERT may not be enough, as exams often test deeper applications. Students should go beyond NCERT to practice numerical problems, device characteristics, logic gate applications, and transistor circuits from reference books and previous year papers for better exam readiness.
NCERT Solutions of Class 12 Physics contain step-by-step explanations on each chapter that makes the complicated theories simple. These solutions have been prepared according to the new CBSE syllabus and are quite beneficial in preparation of board exams; JEE and NEET. The following links lead to chapter-wise solutions that the students can download and revise to access knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
They give step-by-step explanations to make the not-so-easy concepts easier and to solve questions in exercises in a straightforward manner.
Yes, NCERT Solutions is enough to pass boards yet however having practice and doing sample papers will increase your mark.
Absolutely! Most of the questions in JEE and NEET are directly and indirectly linked to the NCERT concepts; hence, these solutions assist in building a great foundation.
Yes, all NCERT Solutions in each Chapter can be downloaded as PDFs to study and revise.
You should read the NCERT textbook, go over the NCERT Solutions to clear any confusion, then do previous year papers and mock tests.
On Question asked by student community
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Yes, if you miss the 1st CBSE exam due to valid reasons, then you can appear for the 2nd CBSE compartment exam.
From the academic year 2026, the board will conduct the CBSE 10th exam twice a year, while the CBSE 12th exam will be held once, as per usual. For class 10th, the second phase exam will act as the supplementary exam. Check out information on w hen the CBSE first exam 2026 will be conducted and changes in 2026 CBSE Board exam by clicking on the link .
If you want to change your stream to humanities after getting a compartment in one subject in the CBSE 12th Board Exam , you actually have limited options to qualify for your board exams. You can prepare effectively and appear in the compartment examination for mathematics again. If you do not wish to continue with the current stream, you can take readmission in the Humanities stream and start from Class 11th again, and continue studying for two more years to qualify for the 12th examination.
The GUJCET Merit List is prepared based on the Class 12th marks and GUJCET marks received by the students. CBSE students who are not from the Gujarat board can definitely compete with GSEB students, as their eligibility is decided based on the combined marks scored by them in GUJCET and the 12th board. The weightage of the GUJCET score is 40% and the weightage of the class 12 scores is 60%.
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