2. PN Junction Diode and Applications

Try these first

1. 1.

   What two types of materials form a PN junction?

   Hint

   Think about the charge carriers present in each type.

2. 2.

   In which direction does current flow during forward bias?

   Hint

   Recall the alignment of the battery terminals.

3. 3.

   What is the primary function of a PN junction diode?

   • Allow current in both directions
   • Allow current in one direction
   • Block all current

   Hint

   Think about the role of diodes against AC currents.

4. 4.

   In reverse bias, what happens to the depletion region?

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Recall what reverse bias does to charge carriers.

5. 5.

   Analyze a circuit involving a PN junction diode and identify conditions under which it operates as a rectifier.

   Hint

   Sketch the circuit and label voltages to visualize how input influences output.

6. 6.

   Derive the Shockley diode equation step-by-step and explain each term.

   Hint

   Start with basic principles of semiconductors and build up to the equation.