Diode in Parallel Circuit: Effects on Current Flow

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SUMMARY

In a parallel circuit with a 9V EMF, when a resistor is placed in parallel with a diode, the majority of the current flows through the diode once it is forward-biased. The diode, under ideal conditions, acts as a conductor with zero resistance, effectively directing current away from the resistor. However, a negligible amount of current does still flow through the resistor, but this is considered insignificant for practical purposes. Understanding the behavior of diodes in circuits is crucial for accurate circuit analysis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of electrical circuits
  • Knowledge of diode characteristics and behavior
  • Familiarity with Ohm's Law
  • Concept of parallel circuit configurations
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  • Study diode orientation and its impact on current flow
  • Explore real-world diode characteristics versus ideal conditions
  • Learn about circuit analysis techniques for parallel circuits
  • Investigate the effects of resistor values on current distribution in parallel circuits
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Electrical engineering students, hobbyists experimenting with circuits, and professionals designing electronic systems will benefit from this discussion on diode behavior in parallel circuits.

sanado
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What would happen if u had a circuit that was earthed at a point and it had an EMF of let's say 9V. If i had 1 resistor and immediately after that i had a resistor and diode in parallel, would any current enter the resistor. My understand is that it wouldn't since once the diode opens up, it effectively acts as a conductor of 0 resistance. With this being the base, does all the current pass into the diode?
 
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Your understanding is correct (the diode must be oriented in the correct manner, of course).

Keep in mind that we're talking "ideal" conditions. A diode is considered to have zero resistance in one direction and infinite resistance in the other. But in reality, nothing has truly zero, nor infinite resistance.

There would be a tiny current that goes through the resistor in parallel with the diode, but it is mostly insignificant. So you are "correct enough" for basic problems.
 

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