Physics · JEE | Semiconductor Electronics: Materials, Devices and Simple Circuits

Given below are two statements: Statement I: The thermal energy required to break covalent bonds and generate electron-hole pairs in intrinsic semiconductors increases exponentially with decreasing temperature. Statement II: Carbon in diamond form is an insulator because its ionization energy \( E_g \) is extremely high compared to silicon and germanium, resulting in a negligible number of free conduction electrons. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

1. A
   Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.
2. B
   Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect.
3. C
   Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.
4. D
   Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct.