What happens to the current in a circuit when a diode is in forward bias?

When a diode is in forward bias, it allows current to flow freely through it. In this state, the p-type material of the diode is connected to the positive terminal of the power source, and the n-type material is connected to the negative terminal. This configuration reduces the barrier potential of the junction, enabling charge carriers (holes from the p-side and electrons from the n-side) to recombine and create a flow of current.

This condition is fundamental to the operation of diodes, which are designed to permit current to pass in one direction while blocking it in the opposite direction. Therefore, when a diode is forward biased, it acts nearly like a short circuit, allowing the maximum flow of current limited only by the external circuit components. Understanding how diodes function in this manner is crucial for various applications in electronics, including rectifiers and signal modulation.