Question:medium
In the given circuits (a), (b) and (c), the potential drop across the two p-n junctions are equal in:
In the given circuits (a), (b) and (c), the potential drop across the two p-n junctions are equal in:
Updated On: May 1, 2026
- Circuit (a) only
- Circuit (b) only
- Circuit (c) only
- Both circuits (a) and (c)
Show Solution
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In a series circuit containing two identical components, the potential drop across each component is proportional to its resistance.
For a \(p-n\) junction, the resistance is low when forward biased and extremely high when reverse biased.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze each circuit where two identical \(p-n\) junctions are connected in series with a battery:
Circuit (a):
The positive terminal of the battery is connected to the \(p\)-side of the first junction, and the \(n\)-side of the first is connected to the \(p\)-side of the second.
This means both junctions are forward biased.
Since both are identical and in the same biasing state, they have equal (low) resistance.
Thus, the potential drop is equally divided between them.
Circuit (b):
The positive terminal is connected to the \(p\)-side of the first junction, but the \(n\)-side of the first is connected to the \(n\)-side of the second.
The first junction is forward biased (low resistance), and the second is reverse biased (high resistance).
The potential drop across the reverse biased junction will be much higher than across the forward biased one. Drops are not equal.
Circuit (c):
The positive terminal is connected to the \(n\)-side of the first junction.
Both junctions are reverse biased.
Since both are identical and in the same state, they have equal (very high) resistance.
Thus, the potential drop is equally divided between them.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The potential drops are equal in both circuit (a) and circuit (c).
In a series circuit containing two identical components, the potential drop across each component is proportional to its resistance.
For a \(p-n\) junction, the resistance is low when forward biased and extremely high when reverse biased.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze each circuit where two identical \(p-n\) junctions are connected in series with a battery:
Circuit (a):
The positive terminal of the battery is connected to the \(p\)-side of the first junction, and the \(n\)-side of the first is connected to the \(p\)-side of the second.
This means both junctions are forward biased.
Since both are identical and in the same biasing state, they have equal (low) resistance.
Thus, the potential drop is equally divided between them.
Circuit (b):
The positive terminal is connected to the \(p\)-side of the first junction, but the \(n\)-side of the first is connected to the \(n\)-side of the second.
The first junction is forward biased (low resistance), and the second is reverse biased (high resistance).
The potential drop across the reverse biased junction will be much higher than across the forward biased one. Drops are not equal.
Circuit (c):
The positive terminal is connected to the \(n\)-side of the first junction.
Both junctions are reverse biased.
Since both are identical and in the same state, they have equal (very high) resistance.
Thus, the potential drop is equally divided between them.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The potential drops are equal in both circuit (a) and circuit (c).
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