Question

Why is the reverse bias current extremely small?

Answer 1

P-n junction:

1. It is an interference between two semiconductor materials inside a semiconductor.
2. There are holes and electrons present in a semiconductor. Holes are the absence of electrons.

Reverse biasing:

1. In a p-n junction, when p-type is connected to negative terminal of battery and n-type is connected to positive terminal the current is reverse biased.
2. A reverse bias strengthens the potential barrier and therefore obstructs the flow of charge carriers. So, the current flow is very low.

Hence, the reverse bias current extremely small.