Fundamentholfundamenthol

JEE Main 2026 Apr 4 Shift 2, Physics Q20: Semiconductors, p-n Junction Diode and Applications

JEE Main2026Apr 4, Shift 2Physics
Q.

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R

Assertion A: A diode under reverse-biased condition provides very small current which is nearly independent of voltage until a critical limit at which the current increases drastically.

Reason R: Below the critical voltage limit, only majority charge carriers flow which increases drastically above critical voltage.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below.

  1. A

    Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

  2. B

    Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.

  3. C

    A is true but R is false

  4. D

    A is false but R is true

Solution

Assertion: The reverse current is essentially the saturation current — small and nearly voltage-independent until breakdown, where it rises sharply. True.

Reason: In reverse bias the small reverse current is carried by minority carriers (electrons in p-side, holes in n-side), not majority carriers. The statement is therefore incorrect. False.

A is true but R is false.

Concept behind this question

Semiconductors, p-n Junction Diode and ApplicationsNotes, formulas and examples →

More previous year questions on Semiconductors, p-n Junction Diode and Applications

Practice more Physics

Concept-wise practice with instant solutions on Fundamenthol.

Start practicing →