Explain how a p-n junction functions as a rectifier, Physics

Assignment Help:

Explain physically how a p-n junction functions as a rectifier.

Ans: When a P-N junction diode is forward-biased and applied voltage is increased from zero, hardly any current flows through the device in beginning. It is so as external voltage is being opposed by the internal barrier voltage VB whose value is 0.7 V

For Silicon and 0.3 V for Ge. As soon as VB is neutralized, current through diode increases rapidly with increasing applied battery voltage. So, in forward bias condition, P-N  junction  diode  behaves  just like  a  closed  switch.  When  a  P-N  junction  diode  is reverse  biased,  majority  carriers  are  blocked  and  only  a  small  current  (because of minority carriers)  flows  through  the  diode.   It's  of  the  order  of  Nano amperes  (nA)  for  Si  and microamperes (µA) for Ge. For all practical purposes, this current is almost negligible. So, in Reverse bias condition, P-N junction diode behaves like an open switch. So, above discussion shows that the P-N junction functions as a rectifier.

 


Related Discussions:- Explain how a p-n junction functions as a rectifier

Carnots theorem, Carnot's theorem (S. Carnot) The theorem which states...

Carnot's theorem (S. Carnot) The theorem which states that no engine operating among two temperatures can be more capable than a reversible engine.

Why can a dc ammeter not read ac, Q. Why can a DC ammeter not read AC? ...

Q. Why can a DC ammeter not read AC? a) Dc ammeter can't measure ac because ac is changing continuously and periodically as well as a dc ammeter can just measure a constant cur

Doppler Effect, #questiImagine a small observer is positioned in front of t...

#questiImagine a small observer is positioned in front of the cork in your picture above. As the cork approaches, the observer measures the wavelength of the waves passing by. How

Waves, velocity of sound is 330m/s and wavelength 1.5 m .With time interval...

velocity of sound is 330m/s and wavelength 1.5 m .With time interval of 1/1000 sec related phase difference will be

Young two slit interference experiment, If Young' two slit interference exp...

If Young' two slit interference experiment is done with white light what could be seen?

Conductive and convective resistance - surface of the sphere, Show that the...

Show that the Nusselt number for a sphere in a quiescent fluid is 2. Hint: Write the thermal resistance for the outer surface of the sphere in terms as both conductive and conve

Uniform circular motion, Major steps for analyzing forces in uniform circul...

Major steps for analyzing forces in uniform circular motion: Let consider one axis along the radius of circle (i.e. in direction of acceleration) and other axis perpendicular to th

Explain thermally liberated charge carriers, At 200.0 K, silicon has 1.89 x...

At 200.0 K, silicon has 1.89 x 10 5 thermally liberated charge carriers/cm 3 . If it is doped with 1 As atom to 3.75 million Si atoms, what is the ratio of doped carriers to t

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd