For a p-n junction to be forward biased, the potential on the p-side must be higher than the potential on the n-side.
Let’s examine each configuration:- Configuration (A): The p-side is at −5 V and the n-side
is at −3 V. Since the n-side is at a higher potential, this junction is reverse-biased.
- Configuration (B): The p-side is at 0 V and the n-side is at −3 V. Since the p-side is at a higher potential, this junction is forward-biased.
- Configuration (C): The p-side is at 7 V and the n-side is at 3 V. Since the p-side is at a higher potential, this junction is forward-biased.
- Configuration (D): The p-side is at −10 V and the n-side is at −20 V. Since the p-side is at a higher potential, this junction is forward-biased.
Thus, the forward-biased junctions are (B), (C), and (D).