Question

On increasing the reverse bias to a large value in a P-N junction diode, current

• A. increases slowly
• B. suddenly increases
• C. decreases slowly
• D. remains same

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

suddenly increases

Reverse biasing means, we connect the positive terminal of the battery to $n$ side of the diode and the negative terminal of the battery to $p$ side of the diode.

Here the diode does not conduct with the change in applied voltage. The current remains constant at a negligibly small value for a long range of applied voltage. When the voltage is raised above a particular point then the current suddenly shoots (increases suddenly).This is called reverse current.

Therefore option $B$ is correct.