question_answer

In a PN-junction diode not connected to any circuit  [IIT-JEE 1998]

A)            The potential is the same everywhere

B)            The P-type is a higher potential than the N-type side

C)            There is an electric field at the junction directed from the N- type side to the P- type side

D)            There is an electric field at the junction directed from the P-type side to the N-type side

Correct Answer: C

Solution :

                   At junction a potential barrier/depletion layer is formed, with N-side at higher potential and P-side at lower potential. Therefore there is an electric field at the junction directed from the N-side to P-side