In an N-type semiconductor, there is an _____ number of electrons.

In an N-type semiconductor, the material is typically doped with elements that have additional electrons compared to the semiconductor's pure form. This doping process introduces extra electrons into the conduction band of the semiconductor, which results in an excess of negatively charged carriers.

The term "excess" accurately describes this condition, as the added impurity atoms (usually from group V of the periodic table, like phosphorus or arsenic) contribute extra electrons that facilitate electrical conductivity. Therefore, this surplus of electrons increases the number of charge carriers available for conduction, which is a defining characteristic of N-type semiconductors.

The other choices, such as "deficient," would imply a lack of electrons, which is not applicable here since N-type materials are characterized by their elevated electron levels. "Balanced" and "neutral" do not apply either, as they suggest an equilibrium state or no charge imbalance, which contradicts the nature of an N-type semiconductor with its specific excess of electrons.