1. Circuit Forward characteristic Reverse characteristic

2. A V A + _ d.c. voltage supply Ammeter Voltmeter Diode previous next smart

3. Potential Difference (volts) Current (m A) A V 0.2 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0 0 5 38 120 0mA 0.0V 0mA 0.2V0.4V0.5V0.6V0.7V 0.00 5mA38mA 120 mA + _ 00.10.20.30.40.50.60.70.8 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 Current (I) in Amps p.d. (V) in volts

4. 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 00.10.20.30.40.50.60.70.8 P.D. (V) in volts previous next smart Lots of current flows because the diode has a low resistance when it is connected this way

5. Potential Difference (volts) Current (m A) -0.2 -0.4 -0.5 -0.6 -0.7 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 P.D. (V) In volts 0-0.2-0.4-0.6-0.8 -20 -40 -60 -80 -100 A V 0mA 0.0V -0.2 V -0.4 V -0.5 V -0.6 V -0.7 V +_ No current flows because the diode has a very high resistance when it is connected the wrong way round

6. Forward characteristic Reverse characteristic Current (I) in mA p.d. (V) in volts 0.20.40.60.8-0.2-0.4-0.6-0.8 20 40 60 80 100 120 -20 -40 -60 -80 -100 -120 previous next smart