Ham Amateur Radio Technician Practice Exam

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What is the approximate forward threshold voltage of a germanium diode?

0.1 volts
0.3 volts
0.5 volts
0.7 volts

The correct answer is: 0.3 volts

The approximate forward threshold voltage of a germanium diode is about 0.3 volts. This value reflects the characteristic properties of germanium as a semiconductor material. When current starts to flow through a germanium diode in the forward direction, it requires a certain minimum voltage, known as the forward voltage drop, to overcome the potential barrier created at the p-n junction. Germanium diodes generally have a lower forward voltage drop compared to silicon diodes, which typically have a forward threshold voltage around 0.7 volts. The lower forward voltage of germanium diodes makes them more sensitive and suitable for low-voltage applications. This makes them particularly useful in certain types of RF and audio applications where signal integrity is critical. Understanding the forward threshold voltage is essential for those working with diodes, particularly when designing circuits and selecting components for specific electronic functions, such as rectification and signal detection.