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3 marksThe p-n Junction Diode

CAPE Physics Unit 2 · 2009 · Paper 2 · Question 1(c)(i)

Figure 1 presents the experimental I-V characteristic obtained for a diode at 25 °C.

Use the data presented in Figure 1 to determine the value of n in the relation I = k * V^n.

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Other parts of this question

  1. 1(a)(i)Sketch the I-V characteristic graph of a metallic conductor at constant temperature.[1 mark]
  2. 1(a)(ii)Sketch the I-V characteristic graph of a filament bulb.[1 mark]
  3. 1(b)(i)Draw a potential divider circuit suitable for investigating the I-V characteristics of the diode.[2 marks]
  4. 1(b)(ii)Describe how experimental readings would be taken using the potential divider circuit.[2 marks]
  5. 1(c)(ii)Deduce the actual equation relating current, I, to voltage, V, for this diode.[2 marks]
  6. 1(c)(iii)Calculate the d.c. resistance of the diode at I = 0.32 A.[2 marks]
  7. 1(c)(iv)Suggest an improved method of processing the experimental data to determine the values of n and k.[2 marks]

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