Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

We are trying to do the project involving frying a diode, but have been unable to get the diode to fry. Followed the instructions on the website and purchased the recommended products. Changed the soldering iron (up to 900 degrees) and multimeter. We have even connect the diode to the soldering iron for 30 minutes and it still works. What are we doing wrong and what can be done to make this a successful science project? The project is due on Friday.

ckns - I had to look at this experiment to understand what you were attempting to do. The experiment is set up to measure the temperature coefficient of the P-N junction using a constant current source. In that way, you had characterized a temperature sensitive element that could be used to measure temperature using this known phenomena. Perhaps the title "How Long Does It Take to Fry a Diode?" was misleading. The experiment was not meant to be an attempt to destroy the diode using temperature. Sounds like the diode did a nice job of standing up to your thermal abuse test. Maybe a re-read of the experiment will be helpful.

Rick Marz

Rick,

Thank you so much for taking the time and looking into this for us. We will have to go back and read it again.

Thank You,
Craig