What is one main difference between the forward voltage drops of Germanium and Silicon diodes?

What is one main difference between the forward voltage drops of Germanium and Silicon diodes?

• A. Germanium has a higher forward drop than Silicon
• B. Both have the same forward voltage drop
• C. Silicon has a higher forward drop than Germanium
• D. Germanium diodes are less efficient than Silicon

Answer: (C)

Silicon diodes are characterized by a higher forward voltage drop compared to Germanium diodes. Typically, a Silicon diode has a forward voltage drop of approximately 0.7 volts, while a Germanium diode has a lower forward voltage drop of about 0.3 volts. This difference is significant due to the materials' intrinsic properties and their bandgap energies. Silicon's wider bandgap means that it requires more energy to allow charge carriers to flow, resulting in the higher voltage drop when conducting current. This difference in forward voltage drop is crucial when designing circuits, as it affects the overall efficiency and performance of the components being used.

Silicon diodes are characterized by a higher forward voltage drop compared to Germanium diodes. Typically, a Silicon diode has a forward voltage drop of approximately 0.7 volts, while a Germanium diode has a lower forward voltage drop of about 0.3 volts. This difference is significant due to the materials' intrinsic properties and their bandgap energies. Silicon's wider bandgap means that it requires more energy to allow charge carriers to flow, resulting in the higher voltage drop when conducting current. This difference in forward voltage drop is crucial when designing circuits, as it affects the overall efficiency and performance of the components being used.