The value of barrier potential of P-N juntion in Ge is-

Options

A. 0.03 volt in the direction of forward current
B. 0.3 volt in the direction opposite of the forward current
C. 25 volt in the direction opposite to the forward current
D. 25 volt in the direction of the forward current

Answer

To determine the value of the barrier potential of a P-N junction in Germanium (Ge), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the P-N Junction
A P-N junction is formed by joining P-type and N-type semiconductors. In the P-type material, the majority charge carriers are holes, while in the N-type material, the majority charge carriers are electrons.

**Hint:** Identify the charge carriers in P-type and N-type semiconductors.

### Step 2: Formation of the Depletion Region
When the P-N junction is formed, holes from the P-side and electrons from the N-side diffuse towards each other. This diffusion leads to recombination, creating a depletion region where there are no free charge carriers (holes or electrons). Instead, this region contains fixed charged ions: negative ions on the P-side and positive ions on the N-side.

**Hint:** Recall what happens to charge carriers at the junction and the concept of the depletion region.

### Step 3: Electric Field and Potential Barrier
The fixed ions in the depletion region create an electric field. This electric field opposes the further diffusion of holes and electrons, establishing a potential barrier. The direction of the electric field is from the N-side to the P-side, which means that the potential is higher on the P-side compared to the N-side.

**Hint:** Understand the relationship between electric field direction and potential difference.

### Step 4: Value of the Barrier Potential
For Germanium (Ge), the theoretical value of the barrier potential is known to be approximately 0.3 volts. This value is lower than that of Silicon (Si), which has a barrier potential of about 0.7 volts.

**Hint:** Remember the typical values of barrier potentials for different semiconductors.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Thus, the value of the barrier potential of a P-N junction in Germanium is **0.3 volts**.

**Final Answer:** The barrier potential of a P-N junction in Germanium is 0.3 volts.

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