In N-type semiconductors, there is a _________ number of electrons.

In N-type semiconductors, there is an excess number of electrons. This type of semiconductor is created by doping a pure semiconductor, typically silicon, with elements that have more valence electrons than silicon. For example, adding phosphorus, which has five valence electrons, introduces additional electrons into the material. The extra electrons are not involved in bonding and are free to move, which is what contributes to electrical conductivity.

The term "excess" accurately describes the presence of these additional electrons because it indicates that there are more charge carriers available in the material compared to the intrinsic state of the semiconductor. This excess of electrons allows N-type materials to conduct electricity better than their undoped counterparts. The presence of these free-moving negatively charged electrons is fundamental to how N-type semiconductors function in electronic devices.