Physics - Semiconductors Question with Solution | TestHub

In a p-n junction diode, when the reverse bias voltage is increased, the width of the depletion region and the electric field across it increase.

At a sufficiently high reverse bias voltage, the electric field becomes strong enough to break covalent bonds (Zener breakdown) or accelerate minority carriers to cause impact ionization (avalanche breakdown).

This leads to a sudden and sharp increase in the reverse current, which is known as the breakdown voltage. Therefore, breakdown occurs when the reverse bias is increased.

Answer: reverse-bias is increased