Charge Carrier

Key Stage 5

Meaning

Charge carriers are charged particles that move through a substance when a potential difference]] (pd) is applied across it.

About Charge Carriers

• In metals, the charge carriers are electrons.
• In electrolytes, the charge carriers are ions.
• The movement of charge carriers constitutes an electric current.
• In semiconductors, charge carriers include both electrons and holes.
• The concentration and mobility of charge carriers affect the electrical conductivity of a material.

Charge carriers are fundamental in the operation of electronic devices such as transistors and diodes.

• Understanding charge carrier dynamics is crucial for designing and optimizing electrical and electronic systems.

Examples

• In a copper wire, the free electrons act as charge carriers.
• In a solution of saltwater, the sodium and chloride ions act as charge carriers.