The potential barrier existing across an unbiased p - n junction is 0.2 volt . What minimum kinetic energy must a hole have to diffuse from the p -side to the n -side if the junction is forward-biased at 0.1 volt ?

Step-by-step solution

The potential barrier of an unbiased p - n junction is V₀ = 0.2 V . When the junction is forward-biased, the applied voltage V_f opposes the potential barrier. The effective potential barrier becomes: V_ eff = V₀ - V_f V_ eff = 0.2 - 0.1 = 0.1 V For a hole (charge e ) to diffuse from the p -side to the n -side, its minimum kinetic energy must be equal to the energy required to overcome this effective potential barrier. K_ min = e V_ eff K_ min = e(0.1 V ) = 0.1 eV