How is the Electric Field Established Inside a Diode When Voltage is Applied?

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SUMMARY

When voltage is applied to a diode, an electric field is established within the diode due to the movement of charge carriers, unlike resistors which do not attract charge carriers. The electric field inside the diode can be described mathematically by the equation E = -grad V, indicating that the field is related to the voltage gradient. This fundamental difference highlights the unique properties of semiconductors compared to resistive materials.

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  • Understanding of semiconductor physics
  • Familiarity with electric fields and voltage concepts
  • Knowledge of charge carrier dynamics in diodes
  • Basic mathematical skills for gradient calculations
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  • Learn about electric field calculations in various materials
  • Explore the role of charge carriers in semiconductor devices
  • Investigate the differences between resistors and diodes in circuit applications
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tonyjk
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Hello,

When a Voltage is applied to a diode, how the electric field is established inside the diode? Is it the same as a resistor which surface charges density establish electric field inside it?

Thanks
 
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Resistors are not semiconductors and do not attract the charge carriers to their opposite polarity pole.
 
tonyjk said:
Hello,

When a Voltage is applied to a diode, how the electric field is established inside the diode?
Ignoring variable magnetic field it is established as E = -grad V
 

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