Forward Biased Diode: Potential Rise vs Battery

In summary, the conversation discusses the behavior of a diode when connected in a circuit with a higher voltage applied to the P junction and a lower voltage applied to the N junction. The characteristic curve of a diode is referenced and the differences between a diode and a battery are explained, such as a diode not being a source of power and a battery having an internal resistance. The confusion about the direction of current flow and the suggestion to start with a reliable source on diodes is also mentioned.
  • #1
Hydrous Caperilla
62
7
If a diode is connected with P junction with higher voltage and N with low voltage then why is there a potential rise as opposed to the decrease in potential like in battery?
 

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  • #2
Hydrous Caperilla said:
If a diode is connected with P junction with higher voltage and N with low voltage then why is there a potential rise as opposed to the decrease in potential like in battery?
Perhaps you should draw a diagram of this. It doesn't make sense, the way you have stated it.
 
  • #3
 
  • #4
I'm still not sure what you are asking but the characteristic curve https://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/diode/diode_3.htmlshows how an externally applied PD across a diode will affect the current through it.
Your two diagrams are showing two different applied PDs. Are you asking about the fundamental difference between a diode and a battery?
A diode is not a source of Power so there is no emf generated in it. A battery, otoh, is a power source and there is an emf generated along with some losses which can often be described in terms of an internal resistance.
 
  • #5
Hydrous Caperilla said:
The direction of the current shown in your case (b) of forward bias is backwards. The current flows from p to n when forward biased. You can see this from the Diode Equation:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shockley_diode_equation

http://www.nptel.ac.in/courses/117107095/lecturers/lecture_2/images/fig1.jpg
fig1.jpg
 

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  • #6
berkeman said:
The direction of the current shown in your case (b) of forward bias is backwards.
But it looks to me that the battery is connected the same way in both cases. The only difference is the battery volts. But his arrows seem to be showing the direction of electron flow, which is not helping.
I think it really would be better if he started again with a good source about diodes. He just seems a bit muddled.
 
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  • #7
sophiecentaur said:
his arrows seem to be showing the direction of electron flow, which is not helping.
Oh, that's confusing. He should show current direction, IMO.
 

Related to Forward Biased Diode: Potential Rise vs Battery

1. What is a forward biased diode?

A forward biased diode is a semiconductor device that allows current to flow in one direction when a voltage is applied across it. In this state, the diode has a low resistance and acts as a closed switch.

2. How does a forward biased diode work?

When a battery is connected in the forward direction to a diode, the positive terminal of the battery repels the holes in the P-type semiconductor, while the negative terminal attracts the electrons in the N-type semiconductor. This creates a potential difference across the diode, causing it to conduct current.

3. What is the potential rise of a forward biased diode?

The potential rise of a forward biased diode is the increase in voltage across the diode when it is connected in the forward direction. This potential rise is typically around 0.7 volts for silicon diodes and 0.3 volts for germanium diodes.

4. Why is the potential rise of a forward biased diode important?

The potential rise of a forward biased diode is important because it determines the minimum voltage required for the diode to start conducting. This voltage is known as the forward voltage and is an important parameter in the design of electronic circuits using diodes.

5. How does the battery affect the potential rise of a forward biased diode?

The battery affects the potential rise of a forward biased diode by providing the necessary voltage to overcome the potential barrier of the diode. The higher the battery voltage, the greater the potential rise across the diode, resulting in a higher current flow through the diode.

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