In the middle of the depletion layer of a reverse biased p-n-junction,...
Due to the reverse biasing the width of depletion region increases and current flowing through the diode is almost zero. In this case electric field is almost zero at the middle of the depletion region.
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In the middle of the depletion layer of a reverse biased p-n-junction,...
Explanation:
The depletion layer is the region at the junction of a p-n junction diode where the mobile charge carriers (electrons and holes) are depleted. When a p-n junction is reverse biased, the positive terminal of the battery is connected to the n-region and the negative terminal is connected to the p-region. This creates an electric field that opposes the flow of current.
Electric Field in the Depletion Layer:
In a reverse biased p-n junction, the electric field is created by the majority carriers (electrons in the n-region and holes in the p-region) being pushed away from the junction. As a result, a region is formed in the middle called the depletion layer, which is devoid of majority carriers.
Electric Field in the Middle of the Depletion Layer:
In the middle of the depletion layer, the electric field is at its maximum. This is because the electric field is strongest where the charge density is highest, and in the middle of the depletion layer, there is a maximum accumulation of immobile ions.
Potential in the Depletion Layer:
The potential refers to the difference in electric potential energy between two points. In a reverse biased p-n junction, the potential is highest at the n-side and decreases as we move towards the p-side.
Potential in the Middle of the Depletion Layer:
In the middle of the depletion layer, the potential is zero. This is because the potential is defined as the difference in electric potential energy between two points, and in the middle of the depletion layer, the potential energy is the same on both sides.
Conclusion:
Therefore, in the middle of the depletion layer of a reverse biased p-n junction, the electric field is at its maximum and the potential is zero.