Multiple choice general knowledge science & technology

What would be a typical magnitude for the reverse current in a general-purpose silicon diode?

  1. A few microamps.

  2. A few nanoamps.

  3. A few picoamps.

  4. A few milliamps.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

In a general-purpose silicon diode, the reverse saturation current (also called leakage current) is typically in the nanoampere range at room temperature. For common diodes like the 1N4007 series, reverse leakage is specified as approximately 5-50 nA at 25°C. Microamps would be too high (indicating a faulty diode), picoamps is more typical of specialty low-leakage diodes, and milliamps would represent catastrophic failure.

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