When is a diode considered to be forward biased?

Study for the NEIEP Solid State (600) Exam. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your test!

A diode is considered to be forward biased when the anode is positive relative to the cathode. This condition allows current to flow easily through the diode from the anode to the cathode. Forward biasing reduces the barrier potential of the diode, enabling the charge carriers (electrons and holes) to move across the junction freely.

In a forward-biased state, the potential difference applied across the diode overcomes the built-in potential barrier, facilitating conduction. When the anode is more positively charged than the cathode, it attracts electrons from the cathode towards the anode, which allows for the flow of electric current.

This concept is crucial for understanding how diodes function in electronic circuits, as they act as one-way gates for current under the right conditions.

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