Non-stoichiometric cuprous oxide, `Cu_(2)O` can be prepared in the laboratory. In this oxide, copper to oxygen ratio is slightly less than 2:1. Can you account for the fact that this substance is a p-type semiconductor?

Explanation

The ratio is less than 2:1, in `Cu_(2)O` which shows that some cuprous, `Cu^(+)` ions have been replaced by cupric, `Cu^(2+)` ions. Thus, to maintain electrical neutrality, every two `Cu^(2+)` ions will be replaced by one `Cu^(2+)` ion, therefore creating a hole. As conduction is due to the presence of positive holes, hence it is p-type semiconductor.