In Fig. 14.1, Vo is the potential barrier across a p-n junction, when no battery is connected across the junction
A. 1 and 3 both correspond to a forward bias of the junction
B. 3 corresponds to the forward bias of the junction and 1 corresponds to reverse bias of junction
C. 1 corresponds to forward bias and 3 corresponds to reverse bias of junction.
D. 3 and 1 both correspond to reverse bias of junction.
The correct answer is the option b
Explanation:-
The height of a potential barrier increases when the p-n junction is biased forward, and it opposes the potential barrier junction. But if p-n is reversed biased, the potential barrier junction is supported, which results in an increase in the potential barrier.
Forward bias: When the p-type material is connected to the positive terminal of the battery and the n-type material is connected to the negative terminal, the p-n junction is forward-biased. This reduces the potential barrier, allowing current to flow easily across the junction.
Reverse bias: When the p-type material is connected to the negative terminal of the battery and the n-type material is connected to the positive terminal, the p-n junction is reverse biased. This increases the potential barrier, preventing current from flowing across the junction (except for a very small reverse leakage current).