Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): When a p-n junction is reverse biased, the magnitude of the electric field in the depletion region increases, but its direction remains the same as in the unbiased state. Reason (R): In a reverse-biased p-n junction, the applied external electric field is directed from the p-side to the n-side, opp

Step-by-step solution

The built-in electric field in a p-n junction is directed from the n-side (positive donor ions) to the p-side (negative acceptor ions). In reverse bias, the positive terminal of the external battery is connected to the n-side and the negative terminal to the p-side. This creates an applied external electric field that is also directed from the n-side to the p-side. Since the external electric field and the built-in electric field are in the same direction, they add up. This increases the overall magnitude of the el