Consider the solar-cell I–V graph with quadrants I, II, III, IV and statements: (a) solar-cell I–V characteristic lies in quadrant IV; (b) in a reverse-biased p–n junction diode, current is due to majority charge carriers. Which is correct?
Options

Question

Consider the solar-cell I–V graph with quadrants I, II, III, IV and statements: (a) solar-cell I–V characteristic lies in quadrant IV; (b) in a reverse-biased p–n junction diode, current is due to majority charge carriers. Which is correct?

Options

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

A solar cell delivers electrical power, with current opposite to the passive sign convention, so its power-producing region lies in quadrant IV. Reverse current in a p–n junction is carried primarily by thermally generated minority carriers, not majority carriers. Hence (a) true, (b) false. Final answer: Option D.