Chapter 29, Problem 10Q

To determine

Comparison between the resistance of p-n junction diode connected forward bias and reverse bias.

Answer to Problem 10Q

Solution:The resistance offered by the reverse-biased p-n junction diode is very large compared to the forward-biased diode.

Explanation of Solution

When forward-biased voltage is supplied to the p-n junction diode, the width of the depletion regiondecreases. However, the depletion region cannot vanish completely. There will be a thin depletion region or depletion layer in the forward-biased diode. Therefore, a thin depletion region and atoms in the diode offer some resistance to electric current. This resistance is called forward resistance.

In a reverse-biased diode, only a small amount of electric current flows. The minority carriers present in the diode carry this electric current. Thus, reverse-biased diode offers large resistance to the electric current. This resistance is called reverse resistance.

The resistance offered by the reverse-biased p-n junction diode is very large compared to the forward-biased diode.

Conclusion:The resistance offered by the reverse-biased p-n junction diode is very large compared to the forward-biased diode.