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

A rectangular piece of a semiconductor wafer, when considered as a bulk material without any p-n junctions, behaves as an Ohmic conductor under standard conditions. According to Ohm’s Law, the current (I) flowing through such a material is directly proportional to the voltage (V) applied across it (I ∝ V), provided the temperature remains constant.

• Linear Relationship: The I-V characteristic for a simple piece of semiconductor is a straight line passing through the origin. This indicates that the resistance remains constant regardless of the applied voltage.
• Graph (a): This graph correctly represents this linear proportionality, making Option A the correct choice.
• Distinction: While semiconductor devices (like diodes or transistors) exhibit non-linear I-V curves due to internal junctions, a uniform wafer piece acts as a linear resistor.