FCC Exam Question: 3-25C1

What is the meaning of the term “alpha” with regard to bipolar transistors? The change of:

A. Collector current with respect to base current.
B. Base current with respect to collector current.
C. Collector current with respect to gate current.
D. Collector current with respect to emitter current.
Correct Answer: D

Explanation: In bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), "alpha" (α) represents the common-base current gain. It specifically quantifies the change in collector current (ΔI_C) relative to the change in emitter current (ΔI_E). Since the base current is typically very small compared to the emitter current, almost all of the emitter current flows to the collector, making alpha a value very close to, but always slightly less than, 1. * **D) Collector current with respect to emitter current** is correct because this is the definition of alpha (α = ΔI_C / ΔI_E) for a common-base configuration. * **A) Collector current with respect to base current** describes "beta" (β), the common-emitter current gain (β = ΔI_C / ΔI_B), which is a different, though related, parameter. * **B) Base current with respect to collector current** is an inverted ratio that doesn't correspond to a standard transistor parameter. * **C) Collector current with respect to gate current** is incorrect because "gate current" applies to Field-Effect Transistors (FETs), not bipolar transistors, and FETs operate differently with voltage control rather than current control for their gate.

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Includes Elements 1, 3, 6, 7R, 8, and 9.