General exam question G6A03
Subelement G6, CIRCUIT COMPONENTS· Group G6A
G6A03
What is the approximate forward threshold voltage of a germanium diode?
- A.0.1 volt
- B.0.3 volts (correct answer)
- C.0.7 volts
- D.1.0 volts
WhyA germanium diode has an approximate forward threshold voltage of 0.3 volts. Germanium's smaller bandgap than silicon lets a germanium junction diode start conducting at a lower forward voltage, typically around 0.3 volt, answer B. Silicon diodes need a higher forward voltage, typically around 0.7 volt, to start conducting, and the other listed values don't match germanium's typical forward threshold.
Published 2026-08-28 · Last updated 2026-08-28 · Question text is verbatim from the 2023-2027 NCVEC Element 3 pool (public domain); the explanation above is original writing, see our methodology.
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