Question

In a P-N junction the positive voltage at which the diode starts to conduct consequently is called.

(a) Cut off voltage

(b) Saturation voltage

(c) Knee voltage

(d) Breakdown voltage

This question was addressed to me in an interview for job.

This is a very interesting question from The Volt Ampere Characteristics topic in section Semiconductor-Diode Characteristics of Electronic Devices & Circuits

Answer 1

Right choice is (c) Knee voltage

For explanation I would say: At a certain critical voltage, a large reverse current flows and the diode is said to be in breakdown region, at this region the diode will be forward biased and starts to conduct consequently.