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Difficulty: EasyDiodes

In order for a standard PN junction diode to conduct conventional electric current, its cathode must be connected to a higher positive electrical potential than its anode.

Answer: Answer

Answer

False
The statement is false because forward biasing a PN junction diode requires the anode (P-type material) to be at a higher positive potential than the cathode (N-type material). Applying a higher positive potential to the cathode places the diode in reverse bias, which widens the depletion layer and prevents current flow.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the relationship between diode terminals and semiconductor materials.
The anode is connected to the P-type semiconductor region, and the cathode is connected to the N-type semiconductor region.
Understanding terminal orientation is essential to determining how external voltage affects the internal PN junction barrier.
2
Evaluate the biasing condition described in the statement.
Connecting the cathode to a more positive potential than the anode creates a reverse-bias condition, widening the depletion region and preventing conventional current conduction.
For conduction to occur, the diode must be forward-biased by applying a more positive potential to the anode relative to the cathode.

Key Concept

Diode Biasing and Polarity
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Diodes

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