DR. A.N.

KHOSLA DAV PUBLIC SCHOOL, ROURKELA

SESSION: 2023-24
PHYSICS PRACTICAL FOR STD. XII
EXPERIMENT – 10
AIM- To draw the I-V characteristic curve for a p-n junction diode in forward bias and reverse bias.

APPARATUS REQUIRED

• A p-n junction diode

• A 3-volt battery
• A 30-volt battery
• A high resistance rheostat
• One 0-3 volt voltmeter All are built in a single apparatus
• One 0-30 volt voltmeter
• One 0-10 mA ammeter
• One 0-100 μA ammeter
• Connecting wires

CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

THEORY

Forward bias diode : A diode is said to be forward bias if p-end of the junction is at higher potential w.r.t n-end of
the junction.
Reverse bias diode : A diode is said to be reverse bias if p-end of the junction is at lower potential w.r.t n-end of the
junction.
*Static resistance is the normal ohmic resistance in accordance with ohm’s law. It is the ratio of voltage and current
and is a constant at a given temperature.
𝑉
Static resistance =
𝐼
*Dynamic resistance is a concept of resistance used in p-n junction. It is defined as the ratio of change in voltage to
the change in current at a specific region of the V I graph.
∆𝑉
Dynamic resistance = ∆𝐼

PROCEDURE :

• Make the connections as per the circuit diagrams.

• Make all connections neat, clean and tight.
• Note the least count and zero error of voltmeter (V) and milli-ammeter (mA)/ micro-ammeter(μA).
• Adjust the rheostat of the potential divider arrangement to a minimum value and slowly increase the
potential difference across the diode by varying the rheostat.
• Note the reading in the voltmeter and corresponding reading in the ammeter.
• Vary the potential difference so as to have 12 to 15 observations.
• Plot the graph taking potential difference on x-axis and current on y-axis.
VARIATION OF POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE (V) WITH CURRENT(I)

OBSERVATIONS

For forward bias

Range of voltmeter = …….V
Least count of the voltmeter = …….V
Range of milli-ammeter = …….mA
Least count of the milli-ammeter = .....mA
Table for forward bias voltage and forward current
SL.NO VOLTMETER READING(V)(volt) AMMETER READING(I)(Ma)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
For reverse bias
Range of voltmeter = …….V
Least count of the voltmeter = …….V
Range of micro-ammeter = …….μA
Least count of the micro-ammeter = …….μA
Table for reverse bias voltage and reverse current
SL.NO VOLTMETER READING(V)(volt) AMMETER READING(I)(Ma)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.

RESULT

In forward bias of a p-n junction diode with increase in bias voltage ,the forward current increases slowly in the
beginning and then rapidly.

In the reverse bias of a p-n junction, when reverse bias voltage increases , initially there is a very small reverse
current flow, which remains almost constant with bias. (But if reverse bias voltage increases then reverse current
also increases to a large value).

PRECAUTIONS

• All connections should be neat and tight.

• Forward-bias voltage beyond breakdown should not be applied.
• Reverse-bias voltage beyond breakdown should not be applied.

**************