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QPages 417-418: Q9: HC Verma: Concepts of Physics - Volume 2 Semiconductors and Semiconductor Devices Pages 417-418: Q9 Solution: The diffusion current in a p-n junction is

⚠️ Common Exam Traps & Conceptual Pitfalls

Students often mistake the diffusion current direction for the actual motion of electrons, assuming it flows from the n‑side to the p‑side. Remember that diffusion current is defined by the flow of positive charge: holes move p→n and electrons move n→p, but both contribute a net current from the p‑side to the n‑side, independent of bias.

The diffusion current in a p-n junction is

Multiple Choice Options

  • A from the n-side to the p-side
  • B from the p-side to the n-side
  • C from the n-side to the p-side if the junction is forward-biased and in the opposite direction if it is reverse-biased
  • D from the p-side to the n-side if the junction is forward and in the opposite direction if it is reverse-biased.

Step-by-Step Verified Solution

**Answer:** (b) from the p-side to the n-side. **Step-by-Step Explanation:** The diffusion current is from the p-side to the n-side (due to majority carriers).

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