Hole is

Options

A. an anti-particle of electron
B. a vacancy created when an electron leaves a covalent bond
C. absence of free electrons
D. an artificially created particle

Answer

To understand what a hole is in the context of semiconductors, let's break it down step by step:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Semiconductors**:
- Semiconductors like silicon and germanium have two energy bands: the valence band (lower energy) and the conduction band (higher energy). The gap between these two bands is called the band gap (Eg).

**Hint**: Remember that semiconductors have two main energy bands: valence and conduction.

2. **Behavior of Electrons in Semiconductors**:
- At absolute zero temperature, all electrons are in the valence band, and the conduction band is empty. When energy is supplied (like heat), some electrons can gain enough energy to jump from the valence band to the conduction band.

**Hint**: Think about how energy can cause electrons to move from one band to another.

3. **Formation of Holes**:
- When an electron leaves the valence band to enter the conduction band, it leaves behind a vacancy. This vacancy is referred to as a "hole." Holes can be thought of as positive charge carriers because they represent the absence of negatively charged electrons.

**Hint**: A hole is created when an electron vacates its position in the valence band.

4. **Identifying the Correct Option**:
- Given the options:
1. An antiparticle of electron
2. A vacancy created when an electron leaves a covalent bond
3. Absence of free electron
4. An artificially created particle
- The correct definition of a hole is found in option 2: "a vacancy created when an electron leaves a covalent bond."

**Hint**: Look for the option that describes a vacancy or absence related to electron movement.

### Final Answer:
The correct answer is **Option 2: a vacancy created when an electron leaves a covalent bond.**