In a p-n junction diode, change in temperature due to heating
- affects only reverse resistance
- affects only forward resistance
- does not affect resistance of p-n junction
- affects the overall V - I characteristics of p-n junction
Answer
(4) affects the overall V - I characteristics of p-n junction
Solution
Heating increases the number of thermally generated electron–hole pairs (intrinsic carriers).
In forward bias, the barrier potential decreases and the current for a given voltage increases.
In reverse bias, the minority-carrier (reverse saturation) current increases.
Both forward and reverse resistances change, i.e. the overall V–I characteristics of the junction are affected.
Answer: (4)