In a PN junction diode, what happens when the diode is forward-biased?
Practice Questions
Q1
In a PN junction diode, what happens when the diode is forward-biased?
The depletion region widens
The diode blocks current
Current flows easily through the diode
The diode becomes an insulator
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
In a PN junction diode, what happens when the diode is forward-biased?
Step 1: Understand what a PN junction diode is. It has two parts: P-type (positive) and N-type (negative).
Step 2: When we say the diode is 'forward-biased', it means we connect the positive side of the battery to the P-type and the negative side to the N-type.
Step 3: This connection reduces the barrier that stops current from flowing between the P-type and N-type.
Step 4: As a result, the area called the 'depletion region' (where no charge carriers are present) becomes smaller.
Step 5: With the depletion region narrowed, charge carriers (electrons and holes) can move more freely.
Step 6: This movement of charge carriers allows electric current to flow easily through the diode.