With reference to a semiconductor diode, define the terms .depletion region. and .potential barrier.. How will the width of depletion region change during reverse biasing?

Explanation

### Step-by-Step Solution

1. **Definition of Depletion Region**:
- In a semiconductor diode, the depletion region is the area around the p-n junction where the charge carriers (electrons and holes) have been depleted. This occurs due to the diffusion of majority carriers from both sides (holes from the p-side and electrons from the n-side) into the opposite regions. As a result, this region becomes devoid of mobile charge carriers, leading to the formation of a space charge region.

2. **Definition of Potential Barrier**:
- The potential barrier is the electric potential difference that develops across the depletion region due to the separation of charges. When the majority carriers diffuse across the junction, they leave behind fixed, charged ions (positive on the n-side and negative on the p-side). This creates an electric field that opposes further diffusion of charge carriers, establishing a potential barrier that must be overcome for current to flow through the diode.

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