Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]PhysicsSemiconductors and Semiconductor Devices
In a p - n junction, the diffusion current exceeds the drift current in magnitude
Options
- Aunder no circumstances
- Bwhen the junction is unbiased
- Cwhen the junction is reverse-biased
- Dwhen the junction is forward-biased
Correct answer
D. when the junction is forward-biased
Step-by-step solution
In an unbiased p - n junction, the diffusion current and drift current are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction, making the net current zero. When the junction is reverse-biased, the width of the depletion region and the potential barrier increase. This opposes the diffusion of majority carriers, making the diffusion current negligible. The drift current, due to minority carriers, dominates. When the junction is forward-biased, the applied voltage opposes the built-in potential, reducing the potential barri