What is the non-linear $V-I$ relation in a P-N junction in forward bias?
A) $I={{I}_{s}}{{e}^{V/{{V}_{T}}}}$
B) $I={{I}_{s}}({{e}^{V/{{V}_{T}}}}-1)$
C) $I={{I}_{s}}(1-{{e}^{V/{{V}_{T}}}})$
D) $I={{I}_{s}}{{(\dfrac{V}{{{V}_{0}}})}^{\dfrac{3}{2}}}$
Answer
301.8k+ views
Hint: In case of forward bias of a P-N junction, we know, the current depends on the applied voltage exponentially. In this relation, there is an ideality factor term $\eta$ . For germanium, the value of this term is $1$ , and so by putting this value in the above relation, we can get our required non-liner $V-I$ relation.
Complete answer:
The voltage-current characteristics of an electrical device is known as the $V-I$ characteristics.
As the resistance of the P-N junction diode gets changed according to the direction of current flow, just above the zero bias, hence it is referred to as a non-linear instrument. “Linear” means the voltage and current are always proportional. Unlike a resistor, the diode does not act linearly with respect to the applied voltage because of the diode having an exponential $V-I$ relationship. This exponential relation between voltage and current can be expressed as,
$\Rightarrow I={{I}_{s}}({{e}^{\dfrac{V}{\eta {{V}_{T}}}}}-1)$ .
Where, ${{I}_{s}}$ is the reverse saturation current,
$\eta$ is the (exponential) ideality factor,
$V$ is the voltage applied,
${{V}_{T}}$ is the voltage equivalent of the temperature.
We know that, value of $\eta$ is $1$ for germanium, and $2$ for silicon.
Therefore, for germanium diode, as $\eta =1$ ,
The non-linear $V-I$ relation in forward bias is, $I={{I}_{s}}({{e}^{V/{{V}_{T}}}}-1)$.
Therefore, the correct answer is (B), $I={{I}_{s}}({{e}^{V/{{V}_{T}}}}-1)$.
Additional information:
Using the opposite kind of doping, if one part of a semiconducting crystal is made n-type and the other part p-type, then that crystal is known as a P-N junction. But, by joining two different p-type and n-type crystals, a P-N junction is not formed because in that case, the crystals would not be joined uniformly and so the junction would not act properly.
Note: When the p-end is connected with the positive terminal of the external source of electricity, and n-end with the negative terminal, we can say, forward bias is applied to a P-N junction. And when n-end is connected with the positive terminal of source and p-end is connected with the negative terminal, the P-N junction is said to be in reversed biased condition.
Complete answer:
The voltage-current characteristics of an electrical device is known as the $V-I$ characteristics.
As the resistance of the P-N junction diode gets changed according to the direction of current flow, just above the zero bias, hence it is referred to as a non-linear instrument. “Linear” means the voltage and current are always proportional. Unlike a resistor, the diode does not act linearly with respect to the applied voltage because of the diode having an exponential $V-I$ relationship. This exponential relation between voltage and current can be expressed as,
$\Rightarrow I={{I}_{s}}({{e}^{\dfrac{V}{\eta {{V}_{T}}}}}-1)$ .
Where, ${{I}_{s}}$ is the reverse saturation current,
$\eta$ is the (exponential) ideality factor,
$V$ is the voltage applied,
${{V}_{T}}$ is the voltage equivalent of the temperature.
We know that, value of $\eta$ is $1$ for germanium, and $2$ for silicon.
Therefore, for germanium diode, as $\eta =1$ ,
The non-linear $V-I$ relation in forward bias is, $I={{I}_{s}}({{e}^{V/{{V}_{T}}}}-1)$.
Therefore, the correct answer is (B), $I={{I}_{s}}({{e}^{V/{{V}_{T}}}}-1)$.
Additional information:
Using the opposite kind of doping, if one part of a semiconducting crystal is made n-type and the other part p-type, then that crystal is known as a P-N junction. But, by joining two different p-type and n-type crystals, a P-N junction is not formed because in that case, the crystals would not be joined uniformly and so the junction would not act properly.
Note: When the p-end is connected with the positive terminal of the external source of electricity, and n-end with the negative terminal, we can say, forward bias is applied to a P-N junction. And when n-end is connected with the positive terminal of source and p-end is connected with the negative terminal, the P-N junction is said to be in reversed biased condition.
Recently Updated Pages
If the magnetizing field on a ferromagnetic material class 12 physics JEE_Main

A point charge is placed at the corner of a cube The class 12 physics JEE_Main

What changes occur if the monochromatic light used class 12 physics JEE_Main

The unit of specific conductance is A Ohm B Ohmmetre class 12 physics JEE_Main

Which lens is used in magnifying glass A Concave lens class 12 physics JEE_Main

Sir C V Raman won the Nobel Prize in which year A 1928 class 12 physics JEE_Main

Trending doubts
Electron Gain Enthalpy and Electron Affinity Explained

Understanding Uniform Acceleration in Physics

Effective Nuclear Charge for JEE

The shortest range of the fundamental force is associated class 12 physics JEE_Main

Understanding Average and RMS Value in Electrical Circuits

Ideal and Non-Ideal Solutions Explained for Class 12 Chemistry

Other Pages
JEE Advanced Percentile vs Marks 2026: JEE Main Cutoff, AIR & IIT Admission Guide

Class 12 CBSE Physics Sample Paper - Set 7 Preparation PDF Download (Login Required)

Understanding Inertial and Non-Inertial Frames of Reference

Why does capacitor block DC and allow AC class 12 physics JEE_Main

Understanding How a Current Loop Acts as a Magnetic Dipole

Units and Measurements Mock Test for JEE Main 2026-27 Preparation

