N-type semiconductors are materials that have been doped with impurities to increase the number of free electrons. This is typically achieved by adding elements from group V of the periodic table, such as phosphorus or arsenic, to a pure semiconductor like silicon. The extra electrons contribute to electrical conductivity, making N-type semiconductors essential for various electronic devices. In N-type semiconductors, the majority charge carriers are electrons, while the minority carriers are holes. The presence of these free electrons allows for efficient current flow when a voltage is applied. N-type semiconductors are commonly used in components like diodes and transistors, which are fundamental to modern electronics.