PASCO EM-8622 BASIC ELECTRICITY - Manual (Page 30)

Basic Electricity 012-04367E
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Discussion
Discuss the shape of your graph and what it means for the operation of a semiconductor
diode. Did the diode operate the same in steps 3 and 4 as it did in step 5? In steps 3 and 4
the diode was “Forward Biased”, while it was “Reverse Biased” in step 5. Based on your
data, what do you think these terms mean? What use might we have for diodes?
Sample Data Table
Diode Type ____________
Forward Bias Reverse Bias
Extensions
➀ If your instructor has a zener diode, carry out the same investigations that you did above.
What differences are there in basic diodes and zener diodes?
➁ Use an LED (light emitting diode) to carry out the same investigations. What differences
are there between basic diodes and LED’s?
R,
Ω
V
AB
, volts V
BC
, volts I, mA R,
Ω
V
AB
, volts V
BC
, volts I, mA
Table 9.1