Question

Compare features of p-type and n-type semiconductors. Draw circuit diagram of half-wave rectifier of p-n junction diode and explain it. 
 

Hint:

A half-wave rectifier only uses one half-cycle of AC input, leading to high ripple content in the output. A capacitor filter can be used to smooth the output voltage.

Answer 1

% Comparison Table Comparison of p-type and n-type semiconductors:
\begin{center} \begin{tabular}{|c|c|c|} \hline Feature & p-type Semiconductor & n-type Semiconductor
\hline Doping Element & Trivalent impurity (eg Boron) & Pentavalent impurity (eg Phosphorus)
\hline Majority Carriers & Holes (+ve charge) & Electrons (-ve charge)
\hline Minority Carriers & Electrons & Holes
\hline Conductivity Type & due to holes & due to free electrons
\hline Charge Carrier Movement & Holes towards the -ve terminal & Electrons towards the +ve terminal
\hline \end{tabular} \end{center} \vspace{0.5cm} \includegraphics[]{half wave circuit.PNG} \vspace{0.5cm} % Explanation Explanation of Half-Wave Rectifier:
1. Working Principle: A half-wave rectifier converts AC voltage into pulsating DC using a single p-n junction diode.
2. Positive Half Cycle: During the positive half-cycle of AC input, the diode is forward biased and allows current to flow through the load resistor (\( R_L \)).
3. Negative Half Cycle: During the negative half-cycle, the diode is reverse biased and blocks current flow, resulting in no output.
4. Output Waveform: The output consists of only the positive half-cycles of the AC input, producing a pulsating DC voltage.