Understanding PN Junction Diodes

What is the shape of the I-V characteristic curve for a diode in forward bias?

• The I-V characteristic curve is exponential in shape.

• The I-V characteristic curve is parabolic in shape.

• The I-V characteristic curve is linear in shape.

• The I-V characteristic curve is circular in shape.

Explain the difference between forward bias and reverse bias in a diode.

• Forward bias prevents current flow, while reverse bias allows it.

• Both forward and reverse bias allow current to flow equally.

• Forward bias and reverse bias have no effect on current flow.

• Forward bias allows current to flow through the diode, while reverse bias blocks current flow.

What are the primary applications of a Zener diode?

• Rectification in AC circuits

• Current limiting in power supplies

• Signal amplification

• Voltage regulation, overvoltage protection, and clipping circuits.

How do you analyze a simple diode circuit using Kirchhoff's laws?

• Use Ohm's law to calculate resistance only.

• Ignore the diode and focus on the power supply.

• Assume all components are ideal without any analysis.

• Use Kirchhoff's laws to analyze voltage and current in the circuit.

What happens to the current through a diode when it is reverse biased?

• The current through a diode is very small and negligible when it is reverse biased.

• The current increases significantly when reverse biased.

• The current becomes zero when reverse biased.

• The diode conducts a large amount of current in reverse bias.