Physics Electronics PMDC Conceptual Practice
PMDC Verified Question 15 of 494
A silicon diode is connected in series with a \(200\,\Omega\) resistor and a \(5.0\text{ V}\) DC source in forward bias. Assuming the diode has a forward voltage drop of \(0.7\text{ V}\), what is the current flowing through the circuit?
A
\(21.5\text{ mA}\)
B
\(25.0\text{ mA}\)
C
\(15.0\text{ mA}\)
D
\(10.0\text{ mA}\)
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option A: \(21.5\text{ mA}\)
Concept:

By Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL), the total supply voltage in a series diode circuit equals the sum of the forward voltage drop across the diode and the voltage drop across the current-limiting resistor.

Formula:

$$V_{\text{source}} = V_D + I R \implies I = \frac{V_{\text{source}} - V_D}{R}$$

Solution:

  • Given values: \(V_{\text{source}} = 5.0\text{ V}\), \(V_D = 0.7\text{ V}\), \(R = 200\,\Omega\).


  • Calculate voltage across resistor:


  • $$V_R = 5.0\text{ V} - 0.7\text{ V} = 4.3\text{ V}$$


  • Calculate circuit current:


  • $$I = \frac{4.3\text{ V}}{200\,\Omega} = 0.0215\text{ A} = 21.5\text{ mA}$$


Why other options are incorrect:

  • Option B: \(25.0\text{ mA}\) is obtained by incorrectly ignoring the diode voltage drop: \(5.0 / 200 = 25\text{ mA}\).
  • Option C: \(15.0\text{ mA}\) is an arbitrary calculation error.
  • Option D: \(10.0\text{ mA}\) corresponds to an incorrect forward drop calculation.

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