Verified Solution • 2025–26 Session moderate

QPages 419-421: Q23: HC Verma: Concepts of Physics - Volume 2 Semiconductors and Semiconductor Devices Pages 419-421: Q23 Solution: Calculate the current through the circuit and the potential…

⚠️ Common Exam Traps & Conceptual Pitfalls

Students frequently forget the µ (micro) prefix and treat the diode’s reverse‑bias drift current as 20 A instead of 20 µA, which leads to an absurd voltage drop across the 1 kΩ resistor. Remember that in reverse bias the diode current is essentially fixed (≈20 µA), so the resistor’s drop is $I\times R = 20\times10^{-6}\,\text{A}\times10^3\,\Omega = 0.02\,$V, making the diode voltage almost the full supply voltage.

Calculate the current through the circuit and the potential difference across the diode shown in figure. The drift current for the diode is 20 �A.

Step-by-Step Verified Solution

**Answer:** Current = 20 _A, Potential difference = 4.996 V � 5 V. **Step-by-Step Explanation:** Given: Drift current i_ = 20 _A, battery = 5 V, R = 1 k�. The diode is reverse-biased (since the battery's positive terminal is connected to the n-side). The current is the reverse saturation current = 20 _A. Voltage across diode = 5 - (20 _ 10__ _ 1000) = 5 - 0.02 = 4.98 V � 5 V .

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