Answer To The Question Number 1: Properties of PN Junction
Answer To The Question Number 1: Properties of PN Junction
Properties of pn junction:
After the formation of pn-junction, the free electrons near the junction in the n region begin
to diffuse across the junction into the p region where they combine with the holes near the
junction. The result is that n region loses free electrons as they diffuse into the junction. This
creates a layer of positive charges(pentavalent ions) near the junction. As the electrons
move across the junction, the p region loses holes as the election and the holes combine.
The result is that there is a layer of negative charges(trivalent ions) near the junction. These
two layers of positive and negative charges form a depletion region or a depletion layer. The
term depletion is due to the fact that near the junction, the region is depleted(i.e. emptied)
of charge carriers due to the diffusion across the junction.
One the pn junction is formed and the depletion layer is created, the diffusion of free
electrons stops because the depletion layer acts as a barrier to the further movement of
free electrons across the junction. The positive and the negative set up an electric field as
shown by the black arrow in the second figure below.
Answer to the question number 2
LED Symbol:
ii. Zener Diode
A zener diode is a special type of diode that is designed to operate in the
reverse breakdown region.
A zener diode is heavily doped to reduce the reverse breakdown voltage. This
causes a very thin depletion layer. As a result, a zener diode has a sharp
reverse breakdown voltage Vz This is clear from the reverse characteristic of
zener diode shown in the Figure below. Note that the reverse characteristic
drops in an almost vertical manner at reverse voltage Vz. As the curve reveals,
two things happen when Vz is reached :
(i) The diode current increases rapidly.
(ii) (ii) The reverse voltage Vz across the diode remains almost constant.
In other words, the zener diode operated in this region will have a
relatively constant voltage across it, regardless of the value of current
through the device. This permits the zener diode to be used as a
voltage regulator.
(i) Working of npn transistor. The figure below shows the npn transistor
with forward bias to emitter-base junction and reverse bias to collector-
base junction. The forward bias causes the electrons in the n-type
emitter to flow towards the base. This constitutes the emitter current IE.
As these electrons flow through the p-type base, they tend to combine
with holes. As the base is lightly doped and very thin, therefore, only a
few electrons (less than 5%) combine with holes to constitute base
current IB. The remainder (more than 95%) cross over into the collector
region to constitute collector current Ic. In this way, almost the entire
emitter current flows in the collector circuit. It is clear that emitter
current is the sum of collector and base currents i.e. IE = IB + Ic
(ii) Working of pnp transistor. As the figure below shows the basic connection of a pnp
transistor. The forward bias causes the holes in the p-type emitter to flow towards
the base. This constitutes the emitter current IE . As these holes cross into n-type
base, they tend to combine with the electrons. As the base is lightly doped and very
thin, therefore, only a few holes (less than 5%) combine with the electrons. The
remainder (more than 95%) cross into the collector region to constitute collector
current Ic. In this way, almost the entire emitter current flows in the collector
circuit. It may be noted that current conduction within pip transistor is by holes.
However, in the external connecting wires, the current is still by electrons.
Answer to the question number 4