Which one of the following graphs correctly represents the current (I)

Which one of the following graphs correctly represents the current (I) – voltage (V) variation for a rectangular piece of a semiconductor wafer ?

Graph (a)

Graph (b)

Graph (c)

Graph (d)

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2023

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Graph (a) correctly represents the current (I) – voltage (V) variation for a rectangular piece of a semiconductor wafer under conditions where it behaves ohmically.

While semiconductors are known for non-linear behavior in devices like diodes and transistors, a simple rectangular piece of bulk semiconductor material with ohmic contacts behaves like a resistor. According to Ohm’s Law, the current (I) flowing through a resistor is directly proportional to the applied voltage (V) (V = IR or I = V/R), provided the temperature is constant. This relationship is represented by a straight line passing through the origin on an I-V graph. Graph (a) shows this linear relationship, indicating constant resistance.

Graphs (b), (c), and (d) represent non-linear current-voltage characteristics typical of semiconductor devices (like diodes or transistors) or bulk materials under specific conditions (e.g., high electric fields causing velocity saturation). However, for a basic piece of material operating within its ohmic region, the linear relationship is the expected behavior.

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