Which of the following statements is correct? As the temperature increases,

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) The resistivity of a semiconductor decreases, whereas the resistivity of a conductor increases.

Explanation:

In conductors (metals), an increase in temperature increases the thermal vibration of ions, causing more collisions for electrons. This increases resistivity.

In semiconductors, an increase in temperature provides enough energy for more electrons to jump from the valence band to the conduction band.
This increase in the number of free charge carriers decreases the resistivity significantly.

Conductors have a positive temperature coefficient of resistance, while semiconductors have a negative temperature coefficient.

Information Booster:

• Resistivity (rho) is the inherent property of a material to resist the flow of electric current.

• Insulators also generally show a decrease in resistivity with an increase in temperature.

Additional Knowledge:

Both increase (Option d) is incorrect because it ignores the unique band structure of semiconductors where heat increases the number of charge carriers and improves conductivity.

So, the correct answer is (b).