Question
Physics Question on Semiconductor electronics: materials, devices and simple circuits
Reverse bias applied to a junction diode
A
Lowers the potential barrier
B
raises the potential barrier
C
increases the majority carrier current
D
increases the minority carrier current
Answer
raises the potential barrier
Explanation
Solution
When a diode is reverse-biased, it increases the width of the depletion region, effectively making it more difficult for charge carriers to cross the junction. This results in a higher potential barrier for carriers trying to move from the p-side to the n-side (electrons in the case of an n-p junction).
So, the correct option is (B): raises the potential barrier