Question

In a semiconductor diode, barrier potential offers opposition to only _______.

Answer 1

Semiconductor diode:-

1. It contains a ‘p-n junction’ which is made up of differently doped semiconductor materials.
2. Terminal attached to “p” layer (+) is called anode and “n” layer (-) cathode.
3. During the formation of semiconductor diode , a depletion layer is formed.

Depletion Layer:-

1. A region formed in the semiconductor diode which is actually a junction of P-type and N-type , having neither an excess of holes nor electrons.
2. In P- region, holes are minority carriers and electrons are minority carriers.
3. In N- region, electrons are majority carriers and holes are minority carriers.
4. When majority carriers try to cross the junction, the negative charge of the barrier in the P-region, opposes the electron and then the electron is stopped by the opposing forces; Same will happen with a hole in the P- region.

Therefore, In a semiconductor diode, the barrier potential offers opposition to only the majority carriers in both regions.