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Question

In the given circuit, the current through the Zener diode is


A

2.5mA

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B

3.3mA

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C

5.5mA

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D

6.7mA

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Solution

The correct option is B

3.3mA


Step 1: Given Data

Resistance of the resistor is R1=500Ω and resistance of the another resistor is R2=1500Ω

Voltage of the battery is V=15V

Voltage of the Zener diode is VZ=10V

Let the voltage across the resistor R1 be VR1.

Step 2: Zener diode

  1. In a reverse-biased p-n junction, a small amount of reverse saturation current flows which is almost independent of the reverse-bias voltage.
  2. However, if the reverse voltage exceeds a certain critical value the current suddenly rises to a very large value.
  3. This is referred to as the breakdown in diodes.
  4. Unless the diode is specially designed it may damage the diode.
  5. Diodes that have adequate power dissipation capabilities to operate in the breakdown region are called breakdown diodes or Zener diodes.

Step 3: Calculate the Voltage

Let the voltage across the resistor R1 be VR1.

According to Kirchoff's law

VR1=V-VZ

Upon substituting the values we get,

VR1=15-10

=5V

Step 4: Calculate the Current

Therefore according to Ohm's law, the current across R1 is

IR1=5V500Ω

=0.01A

Similarly, the current through R2 can be given as

IR2=10V1500Ω

=0.067A

Step 5: Calculate the net current

Hence, the current passing through the Zener diode can be given as

IR1-IR2=0.01-0.067

=0.0033A=3.3mA

Hence, the correct answer is an option (B).


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