Quelpr
1 markThe p-n Junction Diode

CAPE Physics Unit 2 · May/June 2026 · Paper 2 · Question 2(c)(iii)

Figure 4 shows a circuit with the V_supply from Figure 2 on page 11, feeding a load through a diode. The diode has ideal characteristics such that the voltage across the diode is V_D = 0 when there is no current passing through it and V_D = 0.7 volts when it is conducting.

In the space provided below, sketch ONE cycle of the output voltage across the load in Figure 4 on page 13.

This question uses a figure or table from the paper — you'll see it when you practise.

The mark scheme is shown once you've answered.

Practise this question

Other parts of this question

  1. 2(a)State the meaning of EACH symbol in the table below and use Figure 2 to determine each value.[8 marks]
  2. 2(b)Calculate the power dissipated in the circuit in Figure 3.[5 marks]
  3. 2(c)(i)Use Figure 2 to determine the times in the given cycle at which the diode in Figure 4 starts and stops conducting.[2 marks]
  4. 2(c)(ii)Determine the peak voltage across the load in Figure 4.[2 marks]
  5. 2(d)Complete the table below by inserting THREE characteristics of an ideal operational amplifier and a real operational amplifier. For EACH characteristic, state…[6 marks]
  6. 2(e)(i)Calculate the voltage gain of the circuit in Figure 5.[2 marks]
  7. 2(e)(ii)Determine the value of the output voltage when the input voltage is 2 V.[2 marks]
  8. 2(e)(iii)If the input voltage is now 5 V, state the value of the output voltage, giving a reason for your response.[2 marks]

More practice: the rest of this paper · more The p-n Junction Diode questions · all CAPE Physics Unit 2 past papers