Physics Electronics PMDC Conceptual Practice
PMDC Verified Question 36 of 494
Which region of an unbiased \(\text{p-n}\) junction diode develops a positive space charge due to uncompensated fixed ions?
A
The p-side of the depletion region
B
The neutral bulk p-region
C
The n-side of the depletion region
D
The neutral bulk n-region
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option C: The n-side of the depletion region
Concept:

When electrons diffuse from the n-region into the p-region, they leave behind positively charged, immobile donor ion cores (such as \(\text{P}^+\) or \(\text{As}^+\)) in the n-side of the depletion region.

Formula:

Qualitative concept / No formula required.

Solution:

  • N-side dopants are pentavalent donor atoms that become fixed positive ions (\(\text{Donor}^+\)) after losing an electron.


  • P-side dopants are trivalent acceptor atoms that become fixed negative ions (\(\text{Acceptor}^-\)) after gaining an electron.


  • Thus, positive space charge resides on the n-side of the depletion region, and negative space charge resides on the p-side.


Why other options are incorrect:

  • Option A: The p-side of the depletion region contains fixed negative acceptor ions.
  • Option B: The neutral bulk p-region has equal numbers of mobile holes and fixed negative ions, giving zero net space charge.
  • Option D: The neutral bulk n-region has zero net space charge.

Quality & Fidelity Assurance: Every question on BeambePrep is rigorously curated against the official PMDC syllabus with zero filler, zero out-of-syllabus content, and zero typos. When an authentic past paper originally contained a historical mistake or ambiguity from the examining board (such as UHS or NUMS), BeambePrep faithfully reflects the original paper while detailing the nuance and scientific consensus in the autopsy above.

Want to solve full-length papers under timed exam conditions?

Practice with zero-scroll lockdown sprints, dynamic latency zone timers, live peer selection telemetry, and the automated Amber mistake recovery loop.