Given below are two statements:
Statement I: $$p - n$$ junction diodes can be used to function as a transistor, simply by connecting two diodes, back to back, which acts as the base terminal.
Statement II: In the study of transistors, the amplification factor $$\beta$$ indicates ratio of the collector current to the base current.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below.

Let us examine each statement carefully.

Statement I claims that two p-n junction diodes connected back to back can function as a transistor with the junction acting as the base terminal. This is false. A transistor is not simply two diodes connected back to back. In a transistor, the base region must be extremely thin and lightly doped so that the majority of charge carriers injected from the emitter can diffuse across the base and reach the collector. Two separate diodes connected back to back have independent, relatively thick and heavily doped regions at the junction, so minority carrier transport from one junction to the other does not occur. Therefore, they cannot exhibit transistor action.

Statement II states that the amplification factor $$\beta$$ indicates the ratio of collector current to the base current. This is true. By definition, the current gain $$\beta = \frac{I_C}{I_B}$$, where $$I_C$$ is the collector current and $$I_B$$ is the base current. This is a standard parameter used to characterise transistor performance.

The correct answer is that Statement I is false but Statement II is true.