GATE EC 2016 Set 3 — Question 20
Go beyond PYQs with Success TrackerAI-powered personalised practice and doubt support. Unlimited practice on eligible plans; AI usage limits apply.MCQ+1 / -0.33MediumEnergy BandsSemiconductor PhysicsElectronic DevicesBuilt-In PotentialP-N Junction & Diodes
Electronic Devices → P-N Junction & Diodes → Built-In Potential
Last updated
Question
The I-V characteristics of three types of diodes at the room temperature, made of semiconductors X, Y and Z, are shown in the figure. Assume that the diodes are uniformly doped and identical in all respects except their materials. If , and are the band gaps of X, Y and Z, respectively, then

Correct answer
(C) E_(gX) < E_(gY) < E_(gZ)
Solution
The turn-on voltage () of a p-n junction diode is approximately proportional to the band gap () of the semiconductor material for similar doping levels. From the given I-V characteristics, the turn-on voltages follow the order . Therefore, the band gaps must follow the same order: .
Continue learning with Success Tracker
A step still unclear? Work through it with support
Use Success Tracker to ask about the reasoning, then try another GATE EC question to check your understanding.
AI-powered practice· Unlimited practice on eligible plans
- PYQs with solutions
- Attempt available previous-year questions, then compare your reasoning with the worked solution. Coverage varies by stream.
- Practice that adapts
- Choose a topic, work on weaker areas and bookmark questions to revisit. Your attempts feed your progress tracking.
- AI doubt support
- Ask follow-up questions about a step or concept while practising, instead of stopping at the final answer.
Unlimited practice is available on eligible plans. Free practice and AI usage have limits; check the current plan allowances before choosing.
This page stays readable without an account. AI responses can be wrong; check them against the solution and source material.
More questions on P-N Junction & Diodes
2026 Set 1 Q14Consider carrier transport in a Zener diode in the breakdown region. Which is the dominant…2026 Set 1 Q18Consider the circuit shown in the Figure with and . Assume…2026 Set 1 Q25Consider a p-n junction diode when it is forward biased with 2 V. Which of the following is/are the…2026 Set 1 Q29Figure shows the output characteristics of two different Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJT), BJT 1…2026 Set 1 Q54Consider an LED based on a direct bandgap semiconductor material with energy bandgap eV.…