NEETPhysicsSemiconductors
A Silicon Zener diode with a breakdown voltage of 6.0 V is connected in series with a resistor and a 5.0 V DC battery. If the positive terminal of the battery is connected to the p -side of the Zener diode and the negative terminal is connected to the n -side, what is the approximate voltage drop across the Zener diode?
Options
- A0.7 V
- B5.0 V
- C6.0 V
- D0 V
Correct answer
A. 0.7 V
Step-by-step solution
The problem states that the positive terminal of the battery is connected to the p -side and the negative terminal to the n -side of the Zener diode. This means the Zener diode is forward biased. In forward bias, a Zener diode behaves exactly like an ordinary p-n junction diode. Since it is made of Silicon, the forward voltage drop across it will be approximately equal to its barrier potential, which is about 0.7 V . The 6.0 V breakdown voltage is only relevant if the diode were reverse biased. Thus, the voltage dr