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Assuming in forward bias condition there is a voltage drop of 0.7 V across a silicon diode, the current through diode D₁ in the circuit is ______ mA. (Assume all diodes in the given circuit are identical) [Figure: a 12 V cell (positive terminal at the top, negative terminal grounded) feeds a top rail through R₁=0.3 kΩ. Three silicon diodes are connected from the top rail to the bottom rail: D₁ pointing down, D₂ pointing up, D₃ pointing down.]

Asked in JEE Main 28th Jan 1st Shift 2026 · Circuits with diodes

• (1) 11.7
• (2) 18.8
• (3) 20.15
• (4) 17.6

Step-by-step solution

Why the other options are wrong

• (1) Numerically 12-0.3: uses a germanium drop and reads volts as milliamperes.
• (3) Ignores the 0.7 V drop (1/2×12/0.3=20 mA) and then slips further.
• (4) Does not split the 37.7 mA equally between the two conducting diodes.

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