Explanation:

To understand why the correct answers are option 'A' and 'C', let's first define what saturation, cut-off, and non-linear operation mean in the context of a bipolar junction transistor (BJT).

- Saturation: In saturation mode, the BJT is fully turned on and allows maximum current flow from the collector to the emitter. The collector-emitter voltage (Vce) is typically very small, close to zero volts, in this mode.

- Cut-off: In cut-off mode, the BJT is completely turned off, and no current flows from the collector to the emitter. The collector-emitter voltage (Vce) is at its maximum value, typically equal to the supply voltage.

- Non-linear operation: Non-linear operation refers to any operating condition where the BJT does not exhibit a linear relationship between input and output. This can occur when the transistor is not fully on (saturation) or fully off (cut-off).

Analysis:

In this scenario, a sinusoidal voltage is applied to the base of a biased npn transistor, and the resulting collector voltage is clipped near zero volts. This means that the collector-emitter voltage (Vce) remains close to zero throughout the entire input cycle.

Reasoning:

- If the transistor was being driven into saturation, it means that it is being fully turned on, allowing maximum current flow from the collector to the emitter. However, in this case, the collector voltage is clipped near zero volts, which is not consistent with saturation.

- If the transistor was being driven into cut-off, it means that it is completely turned off, and no current flows from the collector to the emitter. However, in this case, the collector voltage is not at its maximum value (equal to the supply voltage), but rather clipped near zero volts.

- Therefore, the transistor is operating non-linearly because it is not exhibiting a linear relationship between the input (base voltage) and output (collector voltage). The clipping of the collector voltage near zero volts indicates that the transistor is not fully on or fully off, but somewhere in between.

Conclusion:

The correct answers are option 'A' (being driven into saturation) and option 'C' (operating non-linearly) because the collector voltage being clipped near zero volts indicates that the transistor is not fully on or fully off, but rather in a state where it allows some current flow while not being fully conducting. This is a characteristic of both saturation and non-linear operation.