Which term describes a condition where the p-n junction conducts more readily?

Which term describes a condition where the p-n junction conducts more readily?

• A. Reverse bias
• B. Forward bias
• C. Output DC voltage
• D. Full-wave Rectifier

Answer: (B)

Conducting more readily happens when a p-n junction is forward biased, meaning a positive voltage is applied to the p-type side and a negative voltage to the n-type side. This forward voltage lowers the built-in barrier (depletion region) at the junction, allowing charge carriers to cross more easily—holes moving toward the n side and electrons toward the p side. As carriers cross, current increases rapidly with voltage, with only a small threshold drop (about 0.6–0.7 V for silicon) before significant conduction appears. In reverse bias, the opposite is true: the depletion region widens and the junction blocks current, except for a tiny leakage current until breakdown. The other terms listed describe the circuit outcome or configuration (output DC voltage, full-wave rectifier) rather than the condition that makes the junction conduct more readily.

Conducting more readily happens when a p-n junction is forward biased, meaning a positive voltage is applied to the p-type side and a negative voltage to the n-type side. This forward voltage lowers the built-in barrier (depletion region) at the junction, allowing charge carriers to cross more easily—holes moving toward the n side and electrons toward the p side. As carriers cross, current increases rapidly with voltage, with only a small threshold drop (about 0.6–0.7 V for silicon) before significant conduction appears.

In reverse bias, the opposite is true: the depletion region widens and the junction blocks current, except for a tiny leakage current until breakdown. The other terms listed describe the circuit outcome or configuration (output DC voltage, full-wave rectifier) rather than the condition that makes the junction conduct more readily.