Question

9. To forward bias an NPN transistor, the

a. the base must be more positive than the emitter
b. the emitter must be more negative than the base
c. the base and emitter must have the same voltage
d. both a. and b.

Answer 1

a. the base must be more positive than the emitter

Step-by-step explanation:

A transistor can be defined as a semiconductor component that is used to control the flow of voltage or current and as a gate (switch) for electronic signals. Thus, a transistor allows for the amplification, control and generation of electronic signals in a circuit. The three (3) basic parts of a transistor are; base, emitter and collector.

Basically, there are two (2) main types of transistor and these are;

1. PNP transistor.

2. NPN transistor.

Biasing of a transistor can be defined as the process of providing the controlled amount of direct current (DC) voltage or current conditions so as to enable the transistor amplify the alternating current (AC) input signal correctly.

Hence, to forward bias an NPN transistor, the base must be more positive than the emitter because the majority carriers are electrons which are moved from the n-type region to the p-type region while the minority carriers are holes.

This ultimately implies that, for an NPN transistor to conduct current in milliamps, its base-emitter junction must be forward biased.