Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Forward biasing means connecting the P-side to the positive terminal and the N-side to the negative terminal of a battery.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Electric Field: The external battery voltage opposes the built-in barrier potential of the junction.
2. Charge Carrier Movement: Majority carriers (holes from P and electrons from N) are pushed towards the junction.
3. Depletion Layer: As carriers enter the depletion region, the width of the region (where no free carriers exist) decreases.
4. Result: Resistance decreases significantly, and a large majority carrier current flows.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct statement is that the width of the depletion layer is reduced.