Electrical Power HJ4F 34

Operations of p and n type diode

1.

In each of the following circuits (a - d) decide whether the light bulb will be glowing or
not and explain your answer.

a b c d

2.

In each of the following circuits (a - d) decide whether the light bulb will be working
or not and explain your answer.

a b c d

3.

A diode was connected to a variable voltage supply and the voltage steadily
increased. A graph of the voltage across the diode versus the current through the
diode is shown below.
 (a) Express in your own words what the graph communicates.

(b) Once the diode is “switched on” it appears that the graph is a straight line with
a very steep slope. What two things does this suggest about the “dynamic”
resistance of the diode. (The resistance when it is working)

(c) From the graph, roughly calculate the value of this dynamic resistance.

(d) One problem encountered when using semiconductors is that as they heat up
their resistance lowers.

(i) How does this behaviour compare with normal resistors?

(ii) Suggest a possible consequence of this behaviour.

4.

Copy out the statement below and fill in the correct

Diodes are semiconductors. This means that they do not obey ____________Law.
Diodes ____________ in one direction only. When connected correctly in a circuit,
diodes require about 0.7 V before they will begin to conduct an electric __________ .
Diodes can be used to _____________ circuits from being connected to their power
supplies the wrong way. They are also used in rectifiers to turn _______into DC.
( AC, protect, conduct, Ohm’s, current.)