NEET2026PhysicsChapterActual
In the given circuit, a silicon diode ( D₁ ) and a germanium diode ( D₂ ) are connected in parallel. The barrier potentials of silicon and germanium are 0.7 V and 0.3 V respectively. What are the values of the total current supplied by the battery and the current passing through the silicon diode?
Options
- A5 mA and 0 mA
- B5 mA and 2.5 mA
- C4.8 mA and 4.8 mA
- D4.8 mA and 0 mA
Correct answer
A. 5 mA and 0 mA
Step-by-step solution
In the given circuit, the silicon diode ( D₁ ) and the germanium diode ( D₂ ) are connected in parallel. The barrier potential of the germanium diode ( 0.3 V ) is lower than that of the silicon diode ( 0.7 V ). When the voltage is applied, the germanium diode turns on first and clamps the voltage across the parallel combination to 0.3 V . Since the voltage across the silicon diode is only 0.3 V , which is less than its barrier potential of 0.7 V , it remains in the non-conducting state. Therefore, the current passi