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In a p-n junction

Asked in CBSE AIPMT 2002 · Depletion region and barrier potential

Answer: (1) high potential at n side and low potential at p side

Step-by-step solution

Idea: when the junction forms, electrons diffuse from n to p and holes from p to n.

Each electron leaving the n side exposes a positive donor ion that cannot move; each hole leaving the p side exposes a negative acceptor ion.

So the n side of the junction is left with fixed positive charge and the p side with fixed negative charge.

That puts the n side at the higher potential, and the resulting field is what stops further diffusion.

Why the other options are wrong

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