Question

What will happen when a p-n diode is reversed-biased?

(a) No current flows

(b) The depletion region is increased

(c) The depletion region is reduced

(d) The height of the potential barrier is reduced

I had been asked this question in homework.

My question is taken from Semiconductor Electronics topic in division Semiconductor Electronics : Materials, Devices and Simple Circuits of Physics – Class 12

Answer 1

Right choice is (b) The depletion region is increased

For explanation I would say: When a p-n diode is reverse biased, its depletion region is widened. This is because the voltage at the cathode will be higher than at the anode. This has the effect of increasing or decreasing the effective resistance of the junction itself allowing or blocking current flow through the diode.