Concept:In reverse bias, the positive battery terminal connects to the N-side and the negative terminal to the P-side, exerting attractive electrostatic forces that pull majority carriers away from the junction.
Formula:$$W_{\text{depletion}} \propto \sqrt{V_0 + V_R}$$
Solution:- Electrons in the N-region are drawn toward the positive battery terminal.
- Holes in the P-region are drawn toward the negative battery terminal.
- This widens the depletion layer and prevents majority carrier conduction across the junction.
Why other options are incorrect:- Option A: Majority carriers cross the junction during forward bias, not reverse bias.
- Option C: Pulling carriers away exposes more fixed ions, increasing the depletion layer charge.
- Option D: Radiative recombination occurs under forward bias in direct bandgap LEDs, not in reverse-biased diodes.
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