Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): A p-n junction diode with its p-side connected to -2 V and its n-side connected to -5 V is forward-biased. Reason (R): For a diode to be forward-biased, both the p-side and the n-side must be at positive potentials. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the o

Step-by-step solution

For a p-n junction diode to be forward-biased, the potential at the p-side must be greater than the potential at the n-side ( V_p > V_n ). In the Assertion, V_p = -2 V and V_n = -5 V . Since -2 V > -5 V , the diode is forward-biased. Thus, Assertion (A) is correct. The Reason states that both sides must be at positive potentials for forward bias. This is incorrect, as forward bias only depends on the relative potential difference ( V_p > V_n ), which can be achieved even if both potentials are negative, as demonstr