Resistivities of semiconductors decrease with an increase in

Correct option is C

Correct Answer: C. Increase

• Resistivity (ρ) of semiconductors decreases with an increase in temperature.

• As temperature rises:

  • More electrons gain energy to jump from the valence band to the conduction band.

  • This increases the number of charge carriers (electrons and holes).

  • Hence, conductivity increases and resistivity decreases.

• This behavior is opposite to metals, whose resistivity increases with temperature.

• Semiconductors have a negative temperature coefficient of resistivity.

• This property is utilized in devices like thermistors (temperature sensors).

• At very high temperatures, intrinsic conduction dominates over impurity conduction in semiconductors.