In the depletion layer, the electric field created

Options

A. is from n-side to p-side
B. is from p-side to n-side
C. changes randomly
D. depends on the biasing

Answer

To solve the question regarding the electric field in the depletion layer of a p-n junction, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Structure of p-n Junction
A p-n junction is formed by joining p-type and n-type semiconductors. The p-type semiconductor has an excess of holes (positive charge carriers), while the n-type semiconductor has an excess of electrons (negative charge carriers).

**Hint:** Remember that p-type has holes (positive), and n-type has electrons (negative).

### Step 2: Formation of the Depletion Layer
When the p-n junction is formed, electrons from the n-side will diffuse into the p-side and recombine with holes. Similarly, holes from the p-side will diffuse into the n-side and recombine with electrons. This movement creates a region around the junction where there are no charge carriers, known as the depletion layer.

**Hint:** The depletion layer is formed due to the recombination of charge carriers at the junction.

### Step 3: Charge Distribution in the Depletion Layer
In the depletion layer, the p-side becomes negatively charged due to the excess of holes that have left, and the n-side becomes positively charged due to the excess of electrons that have left. This creates an electric field across the depletion region.

**Hint:** The depletion layer has a charge distribution that leads to an electric field.

### Step 4: Direction of the Electric Field
The electric field in a semiconductor is directed from the positively charged area to the negatively charged area. In this case, the n-side (which is positively charged due to the absence of electrons) will create an electric field directed towards the p-side (which is negatively charged due to the absence of holes).

**Hint:** Electric field direction is from positive to negative.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Thus, the electric field in the depletion layer of a p-n junction is directed from the n-side to the p-side.

**Final Answer:** The electric field created in the depletion layer is from the n-side to the p-side.