Amateur Extra › E6 Circuit Components › E6A03
E6A03
Why does a PN-junction diode not conduct current when reverse biased?
Pick an answer to check it.
Answer: C. Holes in P-type material and electrons in the N-type material are separated by the applied voltage, widening the depletion region
Reverse bias pulls holes and electrons away from the junction, widening the depletion region. With no free carriers in that wide zone, current cannot flow.
Tip: Reverse bias widens the depletion gap.