Given below are two statements: Statement I: In a forward-biased p-n junction, the applied external voltage opposes the built-in potential barrier. Statement II: When a p-n junction is reverse-biased, the width of the depletion layer decreases. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Step-by-step solution

In a forward-biased p-n junction, the positive terminal of the external battery is connected to the p-side and the negative terminal to the n-side. The applied voltage creates an electric field that opposes the built-in electric field of the depletion region, thereby opposing and reducing the built-in potential barrier. Thus, Statement I is correct. In a reverse-biased p-n junction, the positive terminal is connected to the n-side and the negative terminal to the p-side. The applied voltage creates an electric fiel