Understanding Diode Current Flow: A to B or No Flow?

In summary, when a diode is connected in series with a resistor and battery, there is no current flow because the diode is only forward biased and the cathode is connected to the positive battery terminal. The correct answer is B - no flow.
  • #1
freshbox
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0

Homework Statement


What is the current flow when a diode is connected in series with a resistor and battery.The cathode of the diode indicated as A is connected to the positive battery terminal.The Anode of the diode indicated as B is connected to the one leg of the resistor and the other is connected to the negative terminal of the battery.

A) A to B

B) no flow

C) B to A

Homework Equations


NA

The Attempt at a Solution


Since the battery is connected to the Cathode of the diode, there is no current flow because diode only works in forward biased. Therefore the answer is B.
 

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  • #2
Yes, ignoring reverse leakage (which IS being ignored by the possible answers) that's correct. What is your question?
 
  • #3
I am not 100% sure of my answer.
 
  • #4
freshbox said:
I am not 100% sure of my answer.

Why not? The Relevant Equation for this problem is the Diode Equation. Are you familiar with it? As phinds says, in reverse bias you get the small leakage current Is, but that is not one of the choices in your problem. If one of the choices was "A small current from A to B", then that would be a more correct answer than "no flow".
 
  • #5
Yup, thanks for the clarification :)
 

1. How does a diode allow current to flow from A to B?

A diode is a semiconductor device that allows current to flow in only one direction. It has two terminals, the anode (A) and the cathode (B). When a positive voltage is applied to the anode and a negative voltage to the cathode, the diode is forward biased and current can flow from A to B.

2. Can current flow from B to A in a diode?

No, current cannot flow from B to A in a diode. This is because the diode is designed to only allow current to flow in one direction. When a positive voltage is applied to the cathode and a negative voltage to the anode, the diode is reverse biased and no current can flow.

3. What is the purpose of a diode in a circuit?

A diode is used in a circuit to control the direction of current flow. It can act as a switch, allowing current to flow in one direction and blocking it in the other. It is also commonly used to convert AC (alternating current) to DC (direct current).

4. What is the difference between an ideal and a real diode?

An ideal diode is a theoretical concept that has zero resistance in the forward direction and infinite resistance in the reverse direction, allowing current to flow in only one direction. A real diode, on the other hand, has a small amount of resistance in both directions, causing a small amount of current to flow in the reverse direction.

5. How does temperature affect diode current flow?

Temperature can affect diode current flow in two ways. Firstly, it can change the resistance of the diode, which can alter the amount of current that can flow through it. Secondly, high temperatures can damage the diode and cause it to malfunction, leading to changes in current flow. It is important to consider temperature when using diodes in circuits to ensure proper functionality.

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