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1 markThe p-n Junction Diode

CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2002 · Paper 1 · Question 5(b)(i)

Figure 7 shows the pn-junction of a semiconductor.

Explain what is meant by the 'depletion layer of a pn-junction'.

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Other parts of this question

  1. 5(a)(i)What type of semiconductor is produced by doping an intrinsic semiconductor with donor atoms?[1 mark]
  2. 5(a)(ii)What are the majority charge carriers in a p-type semiconductor?[1 mark]
  3. 5(a)(iii)Explain the origin of the diffusion current in a semiconductor.[2 marks]
  4. 5(b)(ii)Explain how the depletion layer is formed.[2 marks]
  5. 5(b)(iii)Draw one arrow on Figure 7 to show the direction of the diffusion current.[1 mark]
  6. 5(b)(iv)On Figure 7, use the symbol for a cell to complete a circuit showing how the pn-junction is connected in the forward bias connection.[1 mark]
  7. 5(b)(v)Explain why the forward bias circuit completed in (b)(iv) allows an appreciable current to flow.[1 mark]

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