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A zener diode of power rating 1.6 W is to be used as voltage regulator. If the zener diode has a breakdown of 8 V and it has to regulate voltage fluctuating between 3 V and 10 V. The value of resistance Rₛ for safe operation of diode will be [Figure: unregulated input, series Rₛ, Zener across the regulated output.]

Asked in JEE Main 10th April 1st Shift 2023 · Zener current and series resistance

Figure: Zener current and series resistance
Answer: (1) 10 Ω

Step-by-step solution

Maximum Zener current: Iₘₐₓ=P/(V_z)=(1.6)/8=0.2 A

The worst case is the highest input, 10 V.

Rₛ=(10-8)/(0.2)=10 Ω

Why the other options are wrong

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