Draw and explain the current -voltage (I-V) characteristic curves of a junction diode in forward and reverse bias.

Explanation

A graph is drawn between the applied voltage ( V) and the current (I) passing through the p-n junction diode is called characteristics of a diode.

As forward bias voltage is increased potential barrier decreases, but initially increases in current is negligible ( region OA) . This is due to the potential barrier .
The voltage at which the current starts to increase rapidely is calle knee voltage ( or ) cut in voltage.
In this reverse bias, small current flows in the circuit due to minority charge carriers. If the reverse voltage is increased further, after some voltage , there will be a sudden rise of reverse current. This region is named as breakdown region.