Physics Electronics PMDC Conceptual Practice
PMDC Verified Question 406 of 494
During testing of a silicon \( \text{P-N} \) junction diode, the forward current increases from \( 10\text{ mA} \) to \( 30\text{ mA} \) when the forward voltage is adjusted from \( 0.70\text{ V} \) to \( 0.74\text{ V} \). What is the dynamic AC resistance (\( r_d \)) of the diode over this operating range?
A
\( 0.5\text{ }\Omega \)
B
\( 4.0\text{ }\Omega \)
C
\( 2.0\text{ }\Omega \)
D
\( 20.0\text{ }\Omega \)
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option C: \( 2.0\text{ }\Omega \)
Concept:

The dynamic (AC) resistance is calculated as the ratio of the change in forward voltage to the resulting change in forward current across a segment of the I-V curve.

Formula:

$$r_d = \frac{\Delta V_f}{\Delta I_f}$$

Solution:

  • Calculate change in voltage: \( \Delta V_f = 0.74\text{ V} - 0.70\text{ V} = 0.04\text{ V} \).


  • Calculate change in current: \( \Delta I_f = 30\text{ mA} - 10\text{ mA} = 20\text{ mA} = 0.02\text{ A} \).


  • Calculate dynamic resistance:


  • $$r_d = \frac{0.04\text{ V}}{0.02\text{ A}} = 2.0\text{ }\Omega$$


Why other options are incorrect:

  • Option A: \( 0.5\text{ }\Omega \) is the reciprocal (\( \frac{\Delta I}{\Delta V} = 0.5\text{ }\Omega^{-1} \)), which represents dynamic conductance.
  • Option B: \( 4.0\text{ }\Omega \) results from using \( \Delta I = 10\text{ mA} \).
  • Option D: \( 20.0\text{ }\Omega \) results from an error in converting milliamperes to amperes.

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