What is the voltage drop across a diode constructed out of Germanium when forward biased?

The voltage drop across a diode when it is forward biased is an important characteristic that varies based on the materials used in its construction. For a diode made from Germanium, the forward voltage drop typically ranges around 0.2V to 0.3V. This lower voltage drop in Germanium diodes, compared to Silicon diodes, is primarily due to its material properties and the way it conducts electrons.

When forward biased, the Germanium diode allows current to flow more easily, and thus it requires a lower voltage to begin conducting compared to silicon-based diodes, which usually have a forward voltage drop of approximately 0.6V to 0.7V. This characteristic makes Germanium diodes preferable in specific applications where lower voltage drops are beneficial.

Understanding these material properties helps to clarify why the answer highlights a forward voltage drop of 0.3V specifically for Germanium.