In a p-n junction diode, what happens when it is reverse-biased?

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Q: In a p-n junction diode, what happens when it is reverse-biased?

Solution: When a p-n junction diode is reverse-biased, the depletion region widens, preventing current flow.

Steps: 6

Step 1: Understand what a p-n junction diode is. It is made of two types of semiconductor materials: p-type (positive) and n-type (negative).
Step 2: Know what reverse bias means. Reverse bias occurs when the positive side of the voltage source is connected to the n-type material and the negative side is connected to the p-type material.
Step 3: When reverse bias is applied, the electric field created pushes the charge carriers (holes and electrons) away from the junction.
Step 4: As the charge carriers move away, a region without charge carriers forms at the junction, called the depletion region.
Step 5: The depletion region becomes wider, which increases the barrier for current flow.
Step 6: Because of this widening depletion region, very little to no current flows through the diode.