What is the energy conversion in a forward biased silicon diode?

In summary, a typical silicon diode converts potential difference of 0.7V, when forward biased, into mainly thermal energy. While there may be potential energy through the electric field in the pn junction for electrons, this energy is released as heat when they cross the junction. If this potential energy were converted into kinetic energy, there would be no net change in the electrons' energy across the diode and the voltage difference would be zero, not 0.7V. However, electrons in the metal cannot gain kinetic energy and move in a specific direction, and even if they could, their potential energy would still change, resulting in a voltage difference.
  • #1
MHD93
93
0
A typical silicon diode has potential difference of 0.7V when forward biased, to what kind of energy is the (0.7V)*(I)*([itex]\Delta[/itex]t) converted? thermal energy only? isn't there potential energy through the electric field in the pn junction?
 
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  • #2
Unless you have an LED, the energy is released mainly as heat.
isn't there potential energy through the electric field in the pn junction?
For every electron, sure. And if electrons cross the junction, they release this energy.
 
  • #3
And if electrons cross the junction, they release this energy.
If this potential energy were released into kinetic, then there's no net change in electrons' energy across the diode, and therefore [itex]\Delta[/itex]V is zero not 0.7V. what's wrong?
 
  • #4
Kinetic energy of what?
Electrons are not free in the metal, they cannot just get kinetic energy and "fly in some direction".
Even then, their potential energy would change, and you have a voltage difference.
 

1. What is the "energy drop" across a diode?

The "energy drop" across a diode refers to the voltage difference between the anode and cathode terminals of the diode when it is forward biased. This voltage drop is typically around 0.7 volts for a silicon diode and 0.3 volts for a germanium diode.

2. Why does a diode have an energy drop?

A diode has an energy drop because of the way it is designed. The p-n junction in a diode creates a barrier that allows current to flow in one direction. In order for this current to flow, energy is required to overcome the potential barrier, resulting in the voltage drop.

3. How does the energy drop affect the flow of current in a diode?

The energy drop across a diode is an important factor in determining the direction and amount of current flow. When the diode is forward biased, the energy drop allows current to flow easily in one direction. However, when the diode is reverse biased, the energy drop prevents current from flowing in the opposite direction.

4. Can the energy drop across a diode be changed?

The energy drop across a diode is a characteristic of the diode's material and cannot be changed. However, different types of diodes have different energy drops, so selecting the appropriate type of diode for a specific application can help optimize the energy efficiency of a circuit.

5. Does the energy drop across a diode affect its power dissipation?

Yes, the energy drop across a diode is directly related to its power dissipation. A higher energy drop means that more power is being dissipated in the diode, which can lead to overheating and potential failure. It is important to consider the energy drop when choosing a diode for a particular circuit to ensure it can handle the expected power dissipation.

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