Laddningsbärarna

Laddningsbärarna, often translated as "charge carriers," refers to the mobile particles within a material that are responsible for electrical conductivity. In most solid conductors, such as metals, these charge carriers are electrons. These are the valence electrons that are not bound to individual atoms but can move freely throughout the material's crystal lattice. When an electric field is applied, these free electrons are propelled in a specific direction, creating an electric current.

In some materials, particularly semiconductors, charge carriers can also be "holes." A hole is essentially the absence of an electron in the atomic structure. When an electron moves from one position to another, it leaves behind a hole. This hole can then be filled by another electron, effectively causing the hole to move in the opposite direction of the electron flow. Both electrons and holes contribute to the conductivity of semiconductors.

In electrolytes, such as ionic solutions or molten salts, the charge carriers are ions. These are atoms or molecules that have gained or lost electrons, acquiring a net positive or negative charge. When an electric field is applied, these positively charged ions (cations) move towards the negative electrode, and negatively charged ions (anions) move towards the positive electrode, facilitating electrical current. The nature and density of charge carriers are crucial factors determining a material's electrical properties.