Two identical p - n junction diodes, D₁ and D₂ , are connected in series across a DC battery. A voltmeter connected across the diodes indicates that the potential drop across D₁ is approximately equal to the electromotive force (emf) of the battery, while the potential drop across D₂ is almost zero. What are the respective biasing states of diodes D₁ and D₂ ?

Step-by-step solution

In a series circuit, the voltage drop across a component is directly proportional to its resistance ( V = IR ). Since the potential drop across diode D₁ is approximately equal to the battery's emf, its resistance must be vastly greater than that of diode D₂ . For identical p - n junction diodes, a much higher resistance indicates that the diode is in reverse bias, while a very low resistance indicates forward bias. Therefore, D₁ is reverse-biased and D₂ is forward-biased. Answer: D₁ is reverse-biased and D₂ is forw