Q141 / 150 · MHT CET 2026 (15 April Shift 1) · Physics
For a p-n junction diode, breakdown voltage occurs when
- Areverse bias is decreased
- Breverse bias is not changed
- Correct answerCreverse-bias is increased
- Dforward bias is increased
Solution
In a p-n junction diode, when the reverse bias voltage is increased, the width of the depletion region and the electric field across it increase.
At a sufficiently high reverse bias voltage, the electric field becomes strong enough to break covalent bonds (Zener breakdown) or accelerate minority carriers to cause impact ionization (avalanche breakdown).
This leads to a sudden and sharp increase in the reverse current, which is known as the breakdown voltage. Therefore, breakdown occurs when the reverse bias is increased.
Answer: reverse-bias is increased
At a sufficiently high reverse bias voltage, the electric field becomes strong enough to break covalent bonds (Zener breakdown) or accelerate minority carriers to cause impact ionization (avalanche breakdown).
This leads to a sudden and sharp increase in the reverse current, which is known as the breakdown voltage. Therefore, breakdown occurs when the reverse bias is increased.
Answer: reverse-bias is increased
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'C'.