Question

The V-I curve for a diode shows

• A. the voltage across the diode for a given current
• B. the amount of current for a given bias voltage
• C. the power dissipation
• D. voltage amplification

Hint:

A diode V-I curve shows how diode current changes when applied voltage changes.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept:
The V-I characteristic curve of a diode shows the relation between voltage applied across the diode and current flowing through it. Here: \[ V=\text{voltage across diode} \] \[ I=\text{current through diode} \] A diode behaves differently in forward bias and reverse bias.

Step 1: Understand forward bias.
In forward bias, the positive terminal of battery is connected to the \(p\)-side and negative terminal to the \(n\)-side. In this condition, after the cut-in voltage, current increases rapidly.

Step 2: Understand reverse bias.
In reverse bias, the positive terminal is connected to the \(n\)-side and negative terminal to the \(p\)-side. In this condition, only a small reverse saturation current flows until breakdown.

Step 3: Meaning of V-I curve.
The V-I curve tells us how much current flows for a given applied voltage. So it shows: \[ \text{Current response for a given bias voltage} \]

Step 4: Check the options.
Option (A) is not the best description because normally voltage is taken as input and current response is observed.
Option (B) is correct because V-I curve shows current for a given bias voltage.
Option (C) power dissipation is not directly represented as the main V-I curve.
Option (D) voltage amplification is related to amplifiers, not diode V-I characteristic. Hence, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{(B)\ \text{the amount of current for a given bias voltage}} \]