Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]PhysicsSemiconductors and Semiconductor Devices
When a wire connects the two ends of a p - n junction,
Options
- Aa steady current will exist from the p -side to the n -side
- Bno steady current will exist in the circuit
- Ca current might or might not exist depending on the resistance of the connecting wire
- Da steady current will exist from the n -side to the p -side
Correct answer
B. no steady current will exist in the circuit
Step-by-step solution
When the two ends of a p - n junction are connected by a wire, the circuit is closed but lacks any external source of electromotive force. In thermal equilibrium, the drift current caused by the built-in electric field in the depletion region is exactly balanced by the diffusion current caused by the concentration gradient of charge carriers. The built-in potential barrier cannot drive a steady current through the external wire. If a steady current were to flow, energy would be continuously dissipated as heat in th