Is Ohmic Resistance Applicable to Diodes?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the applicability of ohmic resistance to diodes, particularly in forward bias mode. Participants explore the behavior of charge carriers in diodes compared to ohmic materials, referencing models such as the Drude model and the free electron model.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question how ohmic resistance operates in diodes, particularly in forward bias, where electrons diffuse from the n-type to the p-type region.
  • One participant asserts that ohmic resistance is not universal and does not apply to all non-linear materials, including diodes.
  • Another participant expresses confidence in the Drude model's applicability to all ohmic resistances, claiming that diodes exhibit ohmic resistance even in forward bias.
  • Concerns are raised about the effect of negatively charged boron ions in the depletion layer on the behavior of the diode.
  • It is noted that once the depletion region is closed, the diode behaves similarly to a conductor, necessitating a current limiting resistor in the circuit.
  • Some participants argue that the presence of dopants as charge carriers makes the diode conductive rather than resistive, distinguishing it from regular ohmic devices.
  • Discussion includes the assertion that the Drude model is outdated and that the free electron model may provide a better understanding of electron behavior in materials.
  • One participant emphasizes that while a diode can be measured for resistance, the relationship between voltage and current is not constant, particularly after the knee voltage is exceeded.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the applicability of ohmic resistance to diodes, with no consensus reached. Some support the idea that diodes can exhibit ohmic resistance, while others argue against it based on the non-linear behavior of diodes.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the application of the Drude model and the need for consideration of modern models like the free electron model. There are unresolved questions regarding the influence of the depletion layer and the behavior of charge carriers in diodes.

CaptainMarvel1899
Messages
28
Reaction score
3
Well I was just wondering how ohmic resistance works in a diode . I mean let's take forward bias mode.In forward bias mode electrons are diffused from the n type region to the p type region.The depletion layer still exists but is very narrow.So according to Drude model of ohmic resistance electrons bump into atoms of the resistor and lose all their momentum during the movement of them opposite of the battery voltage.But in a pn junction diode those atoms are basically negatively charged because the boron atoms in the depletion layer are negatively charged . So how does this work?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Ohmic Resistance is not universal. It applies in Metals but you can’t expect to find it in all (non-linear) materials.
 
Im a sure drude model is correct for all ohmic resistances and a diode has ohmic resistance even in forward bias.
 
CaptainMarvel1899 said:
Im a sure drude model is correct for all ohmic resistances and a diode has ohmic resistance even in forward bias.
If you're sure, then what is the point of this thread?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Dale
The B- ions are negatively charged so I ask if this will affect somehow.
 
Once the depletion region is closed the diode behaves similar to a conductor. That is why you must put a current limiting resistor in the circuit.
 
That is why a diode is different than a regular ohmic device. The dopants are charge carriers making the material conductive not resistive.
 
Drude model also is correct for conductors.The depletion region isn't disappeared it get very narrow.
 
CaptainMarvel1899 said:
Well I was just wondering how ohmic resistance works in a diode . I mean let's take forward bias mode.In forward bias mode electrons are diffused from the n type region to the p type region.The depletion layer still exists but is very narrow.So according to Drude model of ohmic resistance electrons bump into atoms of the resistor and lose all their momentum during the movement of them opposite of the battery voltage.But in a pn junction diode those atoms are basically negatively charged because the boron atoms in the depletion layer are negatively charged . So how does this work?

The Drude model predates quantum mechanics and the understanding of how particles behave at the atomic and subatomic scale. What you really want to look at is the free electron model. In this model, there are relatively few ion-electron collisions. The mean free path of an electron is influenced more by lattice defects, impurities, and thermal fluctuations and how these influence the electric potential and band structure of the local area.
 
  • #10
When I was a student 60 years ago we were taught the Drude model but let's look at this free electron model.

Nothing is true.Everything is permitted
Evie Frye
 
  • #11
osilmag said:
That is why a diode is different than a regular ohmic device. The dopants are charge carriers making the material conductive not resistive.
The term 'Ohmic' refers to a constant ration between PD and Current - in my experience. A diode doesn't behave like that. If you insist, you can measure the PD and the Current for one value of Current and you could assign a value of R (V/I) but that R will not be constant so it doesn't mean much. The R, measured this way will drop rapidly, once the 'knee' voltage of around 0.7V is exceeded.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
5K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
8K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K