Beyond the breakdown voltage, the current in a Zener diode _________.
-
A.
changes by a large amount for a small change in voltage
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B.
increases linearly with voltage
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C.
is completely independent of voltage
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D.
remains constant with voltage
Correct Answer:
A. changes by a large amount for a small change in voltage
Explanation:
Beyond the breakdown voltage, the current in a Zener diode changes by a large amount for a small change in voltage. This is because Zener diodes are specifically engineered to operate in the reverse breakdown region. Once the applied reverse voltage reaches the specified Zener voltage, the diode's resistance drops significantly, allowing a dramatic increase in current while maintaining a nearly constant voltage across the device. This sharp vertical slope in the current-voltage characteristic curve is what makes Zener diodes effective for voltage regulation and clamping applications.
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