
A Zener diode
A. has a high forward voltage rating.
B. has a sharp breakdown at low reverse voltage.
C. has a negative resistance.
D. none of the above.
Answer
435.5k+ views
Hint: To solve this question, we have to remember some basic points of the mechanism of Zener diode. Zener diode is like an ordinary P-N junction diode except that it is properly doped so as to have a sharp breakdown voltage.
There are many two-terminal devices, which have a single P-N junction. Zener diode is one of such two-terminal devices. Zener diodes are operated in reverse breakdown because they have very stable breakdown voltage.
Complete step-by-step solution:
We know that,
The critical value of the voltage, at which the breakdown of a P-N junction diode occurs is called the breakdown voltage.
Applying negative potential to the anode and positive potential to cathode reverse bias the Zener diode. and breakdown occurs at low reverse voltage and breakdown voltage is sharp.
The V-I characteristics for Zener diode are shown below,
Also, the negative resistance characteristic of Zener diodes in the range of avalanche breakdown region. But Zener diodes have a positive resistance because if we increase the current, the voltage developed will increase.
Hence, we can say that the Zener diode has a sharp breakdown at low reverse voltage.
Therefore, the correct answer is an option (B).
Note: The depletion area extends under a very high reverse voltage, and the potential barrier increases, resulting in a very high electric field in the junction. This is known as the Zener effect. The breakdown occurs at reverse voltage, called the breakdown voltage, at a particular and constant value. It is observed that the voltage to breakdown occurs at around $3 \times {10^7}$ V/m electric field strength.
There are many two-terminal devices, which have a single P-N junction. Zener diode is one of such two-terminal devices. Zener diodes are operated in reverse breakdown because they have very stable breakdown voltage.
Complete step-by-step solution:

We know that,
The critical value of the voltage, at which the breakdown of a P-N junction diode occurs is called the breakdown voltage.
Applying negative potential to the anode and positive potential to cathode reverse bias the Zener diode. and breakdown occurs at low reverse voltage and breakdown voltage is sharp.
The V-I characteristics for Zener diode are shown below,

Also, the negative resistance characteristic of Zener diodes in the range of avalanche breakdown region. But Zener diodes have a positive resistance because if we increase the current, the voltage developed will increase.
Hence, we can say that the Zener diode has a sharp breakdown at low reverse voltage.
Therefore, the correct answer is an option (B).
Note: The depletion area extends under a very high reverse voltage, and the potential barrier increases, resulting in a very high electric field in the junction. This is known as the Zener effect. The breakdown occurs at reverse voltage, called the breakdown voltage, at a particular and constant value. It is observed that the voltage to breakdown occurs at around $3 \times {10^7}$ V/m electric field strength.
Recently Updated Pages
Express the following as a fraction and simplify a class 7 maths CBSE

The length and width of a rectangle are in ratio of class 7 maths CBSE

The ratio of the income to the expenditure of a family class 7 maths CBSE

How do you write 025 million in scientific notatio class 7 maths CBSE

How do you convert 295 meters per second to kilometers class 7 maths CBSE

Write the following in Roman numerals 25819 class 7 maths CBSE

Trending doubts
Give 10 examples of unisexual and bisexual flowers

Draw a labelled sketch of the human eye class 12 physics CBSE

Differentiate between homogeneous and heterogeneous class 12 chemistry CBSE

Differentiate between insitu conservation and exsitu class 12 biology CBSE

What are the major means of transport Explain each class 12 social science CBSE

Franz thinks Will they make them sing in German even class 12 english CBSE
