NEETPhysicsSemiconductors
Two identical p-n junction diodes, D₁ and D₂ , are connected in parallel between two electrical terminals A and B . Diode D₁ has its p-side connected to terminal A and its n-side connected to terminal B . Diode D₂ has its n-side connected to terminal A and its p-side connected to terminal B . If the depletion width of D₁ is observed to be strictly greater than the depletion width of D₂ , which of the following repres
Options
- AV_A > V_B
- BV_A = V_B
- CBoth V_A and V_B must be negative
- DV_A < V_B
Correct answer
D. V_A < V_B
Step-by-step solution
The width of the depletion region of a p-n junction increases under reverse bias and decreases under forward bias, compared to its unbiased equilibrium state. Given that the depletion width of D₁ is greater than that of D₂ , D₁ must be reverse-biased while D₂ is forward-biased. For D₁ to be reverse-biased, its p-side (connected to A ) must be at a lower potential than its n-side (connected to B ). Therefore, V_A Similarly, for D₂ to be forward-biased, its p-side (connected to B ) must be at a higher potential than