Physics Electronics PMDC Conceptual Practice
PMDC Verified Question 233 of 494
What are the forward voltage drops across an ideal diode, a practical silicon diode, and a practical germanium diode when conducting forward current?
A
0.7 V (ideal), 0.3 V (silicon), 0.0 V (germanium)
B
0.0 V (ideal), 0.7 V (silicon), 0.3 V (germanium)
C
1.1 V (ideal), 0.7 V (silicon), 0.3 V (germanium)
D
0.0 V (ideal), 0.3 V (silicon), 0.7 V (germanium)
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option B: 0.0 V (ideal), 0.7 V (silicon), 0.3 V (germanium)
Concept:

An ideal diode has zero forward threshold voltage. Practical silicon and germanium diodes require forward voltages approximately equal to their built-in barrier potentials to conduct significant current.

Formula:

$$V_{F,\text{ideal}} = 0.0\text{ V}, \quad V_{F,\text{Si}} \approx 0.7\text{ V}, \quad V_{F,\text{Ge}} \approx 0.3\text{ V}$$

Solution:

  • An ideal diode has no threshold voltage (\( V_F = 0.0\text{ V} \)).


  • A practical silicon diode has a forward threshold of \( \approx 0.7\text{ V} \).


  • A practical germanium diode has a forward threshold of \( \approx 0.3\text{ V} \).


Why other options are incorrect:

  • Option A: This scrambles the forward voltage values.
  • Option C: 1.1 V is the bandgap of silicon in eV, not an ideal diode threshold.
  • Option D: This swaps the values for silicon (0.7 V) and germanium (0.3 V).

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