Which undesirable outcome significantly increases when reverse-biasing a semiconductor junction beyond its rated voltage?

💡 Explanation

Reaching the reverse voltage limit causes a significant increase in the electric field within the depletion region, leading to *avalanche breakdown*, because accelerated electrons gain enough energy to ionize atoms. Therefore, destructive current surges occur rather than controlled operation due to reaching the breakdown threshold.

• Within a chiller system, which outcome occurs when refrigerant overcharge surpasses thermal expansion valve (TXV) capacity?
• Which outcome happens when a centrifugal pump experiences localized boiling?
• Which outcome occurs when a robot control system has insufficient resolution in its inverse kinematics solver?
• Which outcome occurs when a lathe's tool post suffers deflection under load?
• Which outcome occurs when optical sensor misalignment disrupts feedback control in a robotic arm?
• Which outcome occurs when backfeed energizes circuits after breaker trip?