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The diagram shows a circuit used to investigate the variation of current with potential difference for a semiconductor diode in forward bias - Leaving Cert Physics - Question 4 - 2008
Question 4
The diagram shows a circuit used to investigate the variation of current with potential difference for a semiconductor diode in forward bias. (i) Name the apparatus... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The diagram shows a circuit used to investigate the variation of current with potential difference for a semiconductor diode in forward bias - Leaving Cert Physics - Question 4 - 2008
Step 1
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Step 4
Using the data in the table, draw a graph on graph paper of the current against the potential difference.
Answer
To create the graph:
- Label the horizontal axis with potential difference (V) and the vertical axis with current (mA).
- Plot the points from the table: (0, 0), (0.2, 2), (0.4, 6), (0.6, 14), (0.8, 50), (1.0, 100).
- Draw a smooth curve through the points to indicate the relationship.
- Ensure that the graph shows an exponential increase in current with increasing potential difference.
Step 5
What does the graph tell you about the variation of current with potential difference for a semiconductor diode?
Answer
The graph indicates that the current through the semiconductor diode increases rapidly after a threshold potential difference is reached. It shows a nonlinear relationship where the current does not increase linearly with potential difference, particularly noticeable when the potential difference exceeds approximately 0.6 V. This characteristic behavior is typical of semiconductor diodes, indicating their forward bias operation.