Semiconductor Diode Basics

What is a P-N junction in a semiconductor diode?

• Interface between P-type and N-type semiconductors

• A junction between two metals

• A type of computer junction

• A type of chemical reaction

Explain the process of forward biasing in a semiconductor diode.

• Applying a positive voltage to the anode and a negative voltage to the cathode.

• Applying a negative voltage to both the anode and cathode.

• Applying a negative voltage to the anode and a positive voltage to the cathode.

• Applying a positive voltage to both the anode and cathode.

What happens to the depletion region in a P-N junction under forward bias?

• The depletion region decreases in width.

• The depletion region remains constant in width.

• The depletion region disappears completely.

• The depletion region increases in width.

How does forward biasing affect the flow of current in a semiconductor diode?

• Forward biasing increases the flow of current in a semiconductor diode.

• Forward biasing decreases the flow of current in a semiconductor diode.

• Forward biasing has no effect on the flow of current in a semiconductor diode.

• Forward biasing reverses the flow of current in a semiconductor diode.

What is the voltage drop across a forward-biased semiconductor diode?

• Approximately 1.5 volts for silicon diodes

• Approximately 0.7 volts for silicon diodes and 0.3 volts for germanium diodes

• Exactly 0.5 volts for germanium diodes

• Around 2.0 volts for all diodes

Describe the behavior of electrons and holes in a semiconductor diode under forward bias.

• Electrons move towards the positive terminal and holes move towards the negative terminal, resulting in current flow through the diode.

• Electrons move towards the negative terminal and holes move towards the positive terminal.

• Electrons move towards the positive terminal and holes remain stationary.

• Electrons remain stationary and holes move towards the positive terminal.

Why is forward biasing necessary for a semiconductor diode to conduct electricity?

• Forward biasing reduces the width of the depletion region.

• Forward biasing increases the width of the depletion region.

• Forward biasing has no effect on the semiconductor diode.

• Forward biasing decreases the conductivity of the semiconductor diode.

What is the role of the external voltage source in forward biasing a diode?

• Provides the necessary potential difference across the diode to overcome the built-in potential barrier

• Reduces the current flow through the diode

• Increases the reverse bias potential barrier

• Causes the diode to emit light

Explain the concept of minority carriers in a forward-biased semiconductor diode.

• Minority carriers are the majority charge carriers in a forward-biased diode

• Minority carriers are only present in reverse-biased diodes

• Minority carriers are stationary at the junction in a forward-biased diode

• Minority carriers in a forward-biased semiconductor diode are the charge carriers (electrons in a p-type material and holes in an n-type material) that are injected across the junction due to the forward bias voltage.

How does the energy band diagram change in a semiconductor diode under forward bias?

• The energy band diagram shifts downwards, reducing the barrier for electron flow.

• The energy band diagram shifts upwards, increasing the barrier for electron flow.

• The energy band diagram remains unchanged.

• The energy band diagram becomes linear.